Introduction
Spicy, savory, and utterly delicious, this Peri Peri Chicken Burger recipe is perfect for those craving a little zest in their meal. With a flavorful Peri Peri sauce made from bird’s eye chilies, garlic, and a medley of spices, these burgers are sure to impress. Combined with a creamy Perinaise and fresh vegetables, this dish is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Peri Peri Sauce/Marinade:
– 1–3 bird’s 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 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thigh fillets
– 4 soft rolls, split and lightly toasted (if desired)
– 2 tomatoes, sliced
– Lettuce of choice
Prep Time
3 hours (up to 24 hours for marination)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (up to 24 hours with marination)
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy this delicious Peri Peri Chicken Burger, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Chicken Breast
If using chicken breasts, cover them with plastic wrap or place them in a freezer bag. Pound to an even thickness of about 1 cm (0.4″) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Trim each piece so it’s 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 Peri Peri Sauce with the mayonnaise and sour cream (or yogurt) until well combined. Set aside.
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 the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side, or thighs for about 4 minutes on each side, until dark golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to prevent excessive charring.
Rest Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan or grill. Loosely cover with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble Burgers
Spread Perinaise on the base of each roll. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and the cooked chicken. Add more Perinaise and extra Peri Peri Sauce if desired.
Serve
Place the top half of the roll on the assembled burger and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken Thickness
Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Marinating Time
Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor but is not essential if time is limited.
Adjusting Spice Level
The number of chilies in the Peri Peri sauce can be adjusted to suit your heat preference.
Cooking Method
You can cook the chicken using a frying pan, grill, or even bake it if preferred. Adjust cooking time based on the method used.
Storing Leftover Perinaise
Leftover Perinaise can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a mixture (in this case, Peri Peri Sauce) to infuse flavors and tenderize the meat. Ensure the chicken is well-coated and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours for optimal taste.
Blending
Combining the ingredients for the Peri Peri Sauce requires blending until smooth. Use a stick blender, food processor, or traditional blender, ensuring all ingredients, especially the chilies and garlic, are thoroughly mixed.
Pounding
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness allows for uniform cooking, ensuring that it cooks through without drying out. The desired thickness is about 1 cm (0.4″).
Cooking
Cooking the chicken on medium to medium-high heat ensures that it reaches a safe temperature without burning. Monitor the cooking process to achieve dark golden brown skin while preventing excessive charring.
Resting
Resting the cooked chicken for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist burger.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs or other cuts, but ensure they are boneless and skinless for best results.
How spicy will the burgers be?
The spiciness of the burgers can vary depending on the number of bird’s eye chilies you use. One chili will yield a mild flavor, while three will make it mildly spicy.
Can I make the Perinaise ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Perinaise in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
What if I don’t have malt vinegar?
You can substitute malt vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if needed.
How can I make this vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, and proceed with the same marinating and cooking techniques.
Conclusion
The Peri Peri Chicken Burger is a delightful fusion of spicy and creamy flavors that elevates the traditional burger experience. With its zesty Peri Peri Sauce and rich Perinaise, it offers a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Ideal for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the layers of flavor and customize your burgers to suit your heat preference!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peri Peri Grilled Vegetables
Marinate a mix of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants in the Peri Peri Sauce, then grill them for a smoky, spicy side dish.
Spicy Peri Peri Chicken Skewers
Use the marinated chicken to create skewers. Add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers between the chicken pieces for a colorful and flavorful barbecue option.
Peri Peri Cauliflower Wings
Coat cauliflower florets in the Peri Peri Sauce, then bake or fry them for a spicy, crispy appetizer that’s perfect for sharing.
Peri Peri Pasta Salad
Combine cooked pasta with roasted vegetables, olives, and a dressing made from Peri Peri Sauce and olive oil for a zesty pasta salad that’s great for picnics.
Spicy Peri Peri Tacos
Use the marinated chicken or grilled vegetables in taco shells topped with avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of Perinaise for a fun and spicy twist on tacos.
Peri Peri Dipping Sauce
Thin out the Peri Peri Sauce with additional vinegar or water to use as a dipping sauce for appetizers like fried calamari or chicken wings.
Peri Peri Rice Bowl
Combine cooked rice with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and a generous drizzle of Peri Peri Sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal.
