Introduction
Peri Peri chicken burgers are a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic favorite. With a zesty marinade made from fresh ingredients and a creamy sauce to complement the heat, these burgers are perfect for grilling season or any time you crave something tasty. This recipe guides you through creating your homemade Peri Peri sauce and assembling mouthwatering burgers that will impress family and friends alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Peri Peri Sauce/Marinade:
– 1–3 birds eye red chilies (1 for mild, 3 for mildly spicy)
– 1 medium red capsicum/bell pepper, roughly cut into 1.5 cm (1/2″) pieces
– 5 garlic cloves, peeled
– 3 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
– 4 tablespoons malt vinegar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or regular/sweet paprika)
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 2 teaspoons onion powder (or garlic powder)
– 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cooking/kosher salt
– 3 drops red food coloring (optional)
Perinaise:
– 3 tablespoons Peri Peri Sauce (from above)
– 1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
Burgers:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 chicken breasts or thigh fillets, skinless and boneless
– 4 soft rolls, split and lightly toasted
– 2 tomatoes, sliced
– Lettuce of choice
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Up to 24 hours (including marination)
Yield: 4 burgers
Enjoy preparing these spicy and delicious Peri Peri chicken burgers with your favorite toppings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Chicken
If using chicken breasts, cover with plastic wrap and pound to 1 cm (0.4″) thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Trim each piece to be slightly larger than the buns, accounting for about 20% shrinkage during cooking.
Peri Peri Sauce
Combine all Peri Peri Sauce ingredients in a jug. Blend until smooth using a stick blender, food processor, or blender.
Marinate Chicken
Pour 1/2 cup of the Peri Peri Sauce into a bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, up to 24 hours.
Perinaise
Mix 3 tablespoons of the prepared Peri Peri Sauce with mayonnaise and sour cream until well combined.
Cook Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat, or brush a BBQ grill with oil and heat. Cook chicken breasts for 3 minutes on each side, or thighs for 4 minutes on each side, adjusting heat to prevent excessive charring. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble Burgers
Spread Perinaise on the base of each toasted roll. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and cooked chicken. Add more Perinaise and extra Peri Peri Sauce if desired. Top with the other half of the roll and serve.
Notes
Adjust Heat Levels
For a milder flavor, use only 1 bird’s eye chili; for a spicier kick, use up to 3 chilies.
Marinating Time
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 24 hours, if possible.
Customization
Feel free to customize the toppings on your burgers with ingredients like onions, avocado, or cheese according to your preference.
Storage
Any leftover Peri Peri Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Use a ziplock bag or bowl and ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat effectively.
Blending
To achieve a smooth Peri Peri Sauce, blend all ingredients thoroughly using a stick blender, food processor, or traditional blender. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Pounding Chicken
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 cm to ensure uniform cooking. This helps to avoid dry edges and allows the chicken to cook evenly on the grill or in the pan.
Cooking Temperature
Heat oil in a frying pan or grill to medium to medium-high heat. This allows for a good sear while cooking the chicken to the desired doneness without excessive charring.
Resting Meat
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken when sliced.
FAQ
Can I adjust the spiciness of the Peri Peri sauce?
Yes, you can control the spiciness by varying the number of birds eye chilies used in the recipe.
Can I use bottled Peri Peri sauce instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! You can substitute homemade sauce with store-bought Peri Peri sauce, though the flavor may vary.
Is it possible to use other types of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even other proteins like beef or tofu, but cooking times may vary.
Can I prepare the Perinaise in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Perinaise ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
What type of rolls work best for these burgers?
Soft burger rolls are ideal, but you can also use ciabatta or brioche for a gourmet touch.
Can I add other toppings to the burgers?
Yes, feel free to customize your burgers with additional toppings like avocado, cheese, or pickles for added flavor.
Conclusion
This Peri Peri Chicken Burger recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, with the spicy kick from the Peri Peri sauce complemented by the creamy Perinaise. It’s perfect for a casual gathering or a weeknight dinner, providing a satisfying meal with minimal effort. With the option to adjust the spice level, this dish can cater to different palates, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious homemade burger.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Use the Peri Peri sauce to marinate shrimp before grilling and serve in soft tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado.
Peri Peri Veggie Skewers
Marinate assorted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms in the Peri Peri sauce, then grill for a flavorful side dish.
Chicken Salad with Perinaise Dressing
Shred grilled chicken and toss it with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with the Perinaise for a spicy twist on a classic salad.
Peri Peri Roasted Potatoes
Toss baby potatoes in the Peri Peri sauce and roast them until crispy for a delicious and spicy side dish.
Eggs Benedict with Perinaise
Elevate traditional Eggs Benedict by using Perinaise instead of hollandaise sauce for a spicy brunch option.
