In case you haven’t tried this before, peri peri chicken is a spicy chicken dish that has smoky and slightly spicy flavors and juicy texture. Now that you know the basics, how spicy is peri peri chicken? Is it for the beginners, or will it set your mouth on fire?
Of course it depends on your preferences, but in general, peri peri chicken comes with a variety of spice levels, which means there is a version for almost everyone. From mild to wild peri peri, there is plenty of choices to go around.
In this article, we’ll give you a deeper understanding of all the levels of peri peri, the spices that contribute to the spicy flavors, and how the peri peri flavors compare, all so you can make a more informed choice when you order your next takeaway.
What is Peri Peri Chicken?
Peri peri chicken consists of chicken that is marinated or coated with a sauce that has chillies, garlic, lemon, and herbs and spices. It is usually grilled, giving it a slightly smoky flavor while keeping it juicy.
Here’s what peri peri chicken typically tastes like. Imagine all of the following flavors together: Tangy lemon, garlic, herbs, chilli, and a slight grilled flavor.
Now, what makes peri peri chicken spicy? The main source of heat in peri peri chicken is the traditional African bird’s eye chilli. These are really small chillies, and as the name suggests, are related to birds.
The burning sensation from all chillies is due to a compound called capsaicin.
However, not all peri peri chicken recipes have the same amount and type of chillies.
The main things that impact the spiciness of peri peri chicken are:
· The type and quantity of chillies used
· The amount of peri peri sauce used
· The ingredients in the marinade
· The balance of other ingredients
· The amount of hot sauce served with the chicken
This explains the reason for the variation in level of spiciness across different meals.
Finally, what is the effect of peri peri sauce on the overall flavor of the chicken? Peri peri sauce is one of the main things that determines the flavor of peri peri chicken.
A peri peri sauce is usually made up of garlic, chillies, lemon juice, and vinegar. The balance of these ingredients is what determines the overall flavor and heat level of the sauce.
Because people have different tastes, many find different peri peri flavors appealing.
Understanding the Different Peri Peri Chicken Spice Levels
The fun thing about peri peri chicken is the various levels of heat it comes in.
Although the exact names and recipes vary between restaurants, a lot of peri peri chicken outlets offer options ranging from lemon and herb to extra hot.
The following is a description of the common levels of heat you will find when buying peri peri chicken.
Lemon and Herb – A Mild and Tangy Option
A peri peri chicken lemon and herb sauce is usually one of the milder options on the menu.
Rather than focusing on a tremendous amount of heat, this sauce thrives on the combination of citrus, herbs and seasoning.
It is great for customers who want to try grilled chicken with a bit of zest without it being spicy.
It is worth noting that although the lemon and herb sauce is not predominantly spicy, some may still have small amounts of chilli.
Mild Peri Peri Chicken – Flavor Over Heat
Mild peri peri is usually a popular choice among customers who want to enjoy the peri peri experience without turning up the heat too much.
It is a combination of chilli, lemon and herbs with garlic.
The heat is noticeable, but may not take center stage like in extra hot or hot peri peri chicken.
If you are trying peri peri chicken for the first time, mild flavors are the way to go.
Is Mild Peri Peri Chicken Spicy?
Mild Peri Peri Chicken
The mild varieties do have some kick, though not as much as the medium and hot varieties.
Many people can develop a mild tolerance to the heat of the chicken over the course of the meal, especially when eating with a group.
Mild peri peri can be a good starter level of spice for many who don’t want to go for the hotter levels.
Medium Peri Peri Chicken
The medium peri peri variants provide more of a noticeable level of heat while also retaining the other flavors of the sauce.
Some people who are not too accustomed to hot and spicy foods can enjoy medium peri peri chicken.
There are times where people can lose the flavor of the peri peri seasoning on the chicken, as the heat can be too overpowering.
Sometimes medium peri peri can be spicier than a person may expect or want.
Hot Peri Peri Chicken
Hot peri peri chicken is for people who want more of a strong chili sensation.
There can be a strong hot sensation that remains after each bite and doesn’t fade away immediately.
Even with a more dominant heat, other flavors such as garlic and lemon and herbs should also be noticeable as well.
Hot peri peri is good to consider for people who usually enjoy spicy chicken and want a more stronger and dominant spice.
Depending on location and restaurant, what may be considered hot or mild can also vary.
Extra Hot Peri Peri Chicken-For Those Who Love Intense Heat
As a level on most peri peri menus, extra hot indicates a high concentration of chilis.
It’s meant for folks who can handle a high spice tolerance level.
It may build up in intensity the more of the sauce you consume, especially if it’s coating the chicken.
Going with extra hot as your first choice might not be the best.
You should probably work your way up.
How Does Peri Peri Chicken Compare to Other Spicy Foods?
It’s difficult to compare peri peri to other spicy foods because the type of chilis used vary, along with marinades, and how much sauce is put on.
An extra hot peri peri chicken could definitely feel hotter than your average spicy curry.
Because of the different variations of peri peri chicken, it’s hard to pinpoint one heat rating for the dish.
Is Peri Peri Chicken Spicier Than Regular Chilli Chicken?
Peri peri and regular chilli chickens are two of the more popular spicy chicken dishes, but offer different types of flavors.
Peri peri has a more tart and smoky flavor, especially if it’s grilled.
Chilli chicken, especially Indo-Chinese styles, have soy sauce, garlic, ginger, green chillies.
Depending how it’s prepared, either chicken dish can be mild to extremely spicy.
For example, a mild peri peri chicken may be less spicy compared to a chilli chicken dish that is prepared using a lot of fresh chillies.
On the other hand, extra hot peri peri chicken can be hotter compared to a chilli chicken dish that is just moderately seasoned.
Ultimately, how spicy a dish is depends on the recipe rather than the name of the dish.
How to Choose the Right Peri Peri Spice Level
Everyone has their own limits as to how spicy they can handle. Knowing this can help you pick a spice level that you will be comfortable with when enjoying a meal.
If you are new to the peri peri scene, going with a mild option will be the best bet.
If you are used to peri peri, a medium to hot option will be best.
Which Peri Peri Flavour Is Best for Beginners?
Lemon and herb is also a great option for beginners. It is not as spicy, and has more of a tangy flavor.
You can start out with mild options, then work your way up to medium and hot flavors.
Is Medium Peri Peri Chicken Too Spicy?
If you are used to eating spicy foods, medium peri peri chicken will not be spicy.
However, for someone who does not like spicy foods, even a mild peri peri chicken will be too spicy.
People tolerant of slightly spicier curries, and other seasoned chicken dishes, may enjoy medium peri peri.
What Peri Peri Spice Level is Best for the Spice Lovers?
More intense flavors of chilli can be found in hot and extra hot peri peri chicken.
Customers looking for a more satisfying heat experience can opt for hot or extra hot peri peri chicken.
For the milder options, spicy grilled chicken can be an enjoyable meal choice.
Extra hot peri peri can be enjoyed by people who can tolerate higher levels of chilli heat.
What Peri Peri Chicken Options are There for the Kids?
Peri peri chicken can be an option for kids when it is prepared with a less intense flavor.
In the absence of intense spice, other options like lemon and herb, for instance, may be a more appealing choice for kids.
For a safe assumption, it is advisable to inquire about the various flavors and ingredients available before placing an order.
This will help determine what option suits the kids best.
It is important to consider the preference of individual kids when choosing peri peri chicken.
Can You Eat Peri Peri Chicken Without Too Much Spice?
Yes, you can. Not every time do you have to pick the hottest option available.
People can enjoy peri peri chicken with a less intense spice, or a sauce with less spice.
People can also opt for a less intense spice if they like the combination of peri peri seasoning, herbs, lemon and garlic.
For a less intense spice, choosing a milder option can help you enjoy the flavor without too much chilli heat.
Can You Order Peri Peri Chicken Without Spice?
Mild flavors and sauces are available at some restaurants.
Lemon and Herb is typically a mild option, but may contain chilli.
It’s always best to ask the restaurant if they have an option with no chilli.
Don’t assume that mild peri peri chicken is completely free from chilli.
What Can You Eat With Spicy Peri Peri Chicken to Balance the Heat?
Choosing the right sides can transform a spicy meal to an enjoyable one.
Some of the best sides include chips, rice, salad, coleslaw, pitta bread, and dips.
If you find the sauce too spicy, dairy products may work better than water to find relief.
What are the Best Sides for Peri Peri Chicken?
The marinade is integral in developing the flavor of peri peri chicken.
Typically, a peri peri chicken marinade is a combination of chilli, other spices and herbs, and garlic.
The acidic ingredients serve to break down the protein in the chicken to help it retain moisture while cooking.
Chicken is coated or marinated before cooking. This gives the surface a richer flavor and can give a slight flavor to the interior as well.
Marinating, however, does not always ensure that the chicken is spicy.
The level of spiciness is more often than not, determined by the kind and quantity of chili used, as well as the sauce used in the marinade or added after cooking.
The Role of Peri Peri Seasoning
Peri peri seasoning often is a spice mix designed to enhance grilled chicken and often contains paprika, garlic, chili, oregano, and other aromatics.
Some contain a touch of lemon or vinegar to enhance the flavors.
Often, vinegar based marinades can reduce the poultry to being overly sour instead of hot.
Does Peri Peri Chicken Have Chilli?
Peri peri chicken does have some sort of a chilli base; this can vary from recipe to recipe. The same way, the quantity of chilli used to make the sauce can vary.
Peri peri seasoning gives chicken a distinctive flavor instead of it just being hot.
Does Adding Peri Peri Sauce Increase Heat?
An extra serving of peri peri sauce can make an already marinated chicken hotter, especially if the sauce is very spicy.
The same cannot be said for a very mild sauce. Adding a lot of a very mild sauce can make the chicken more flavory, rather than spicy.
If you are really not sure of your spice tolerance, you can always ask for the sauce on the side.
This is especially useful if chicken was prepared using a very mild marinade, as you can control how spicy each bite is.
Try Some Scrumptious Peri Peri Chicken at Olives Peri Peri in Wallington
If you want grilled chicken in Wallington, Olives Peri Peri is a takeaway worth trying out.
Situated on London Road in Wallington, Olives Peri Peri sells a variety of chicken meals and other takeaway favourites.
There is a good selection of sauces and styles to choose from whether you like mild to medium chilli kicks, or full on spicy chicken.
Check Out Our Peri Peri Chicken Meals
Apart from chicken meals, you can also find burgers and wraps at the takeaway.
If you haven’t tried peri peri chicken before and aren’t sure which one to choose, it’s a good idea to start with the mild ones.
Frequently, there will be a featured menu that you can check for available dishes.
Order Peri Peri Chicken Takeaway in Wallington
Consider peri peri chicken for your next takeaway.
If you are around Wallington and need a quick takeaway dinner, Olives Peri Peri is a good place to check out for chicken meals.
For a takeaway around Wallington, especially for peri peri chicken or grilled chicken, check their menu for available offers.
To see if we provide online ordering where you live, follow the links on our site.
Browse our delicious menu and order takeaway from Olives Peri Peri today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peri Peri Chicken Spice Levels
Is Peri Peri Chicken Very Spicy?
How spicy peri peri chicken is depends on the marinade and sauce. Mild peri peri chicken has less chilli and more garlic, lemon and herbs. Extra hot peri peri chicken contains a very spicy sauce.
What Is the Hottest Peri Peri Flavour?
Among the different variations of peri peri chicken, extra hot is typically the spiciest. Other restaurants may have speciality flavours that can be spicier than extra hot.
What Is the Difference Between Mild and Hot Peri Peri?
In mild peri peri, the heat is less and more focus is on balanced seasoning. Hot peri peri has more chilli heat and more kick.
Is Peri Peri Chicken Hotter Than BBQ Chicken?
Traditionally, BBQ chicken is sweet, smoky or savoury. As a result, mild BBQ chicken is less spicy compared to hot peri peri chicken. Some spicy BBQ sauces, however, can be hotter than hot peri peri chicken.
Understanding the Levels of Peri Peri Spice
Different levels of spice and ingredients determine the various types of peri peri chicken.
From peri peri chicken with a mild lemony herb flavor to spicy hot flavors, customers can pick their preferred chicken based on their preference.
Customers who are new to peri peri chicken should start off with mild flavors and work their way up to hotter flavors.
Olives Peri Peri offers delicious chicken dishes with bold flavors customers in Wallington can enjoy.
Be sure to work up an appetite, as Olives Peri Peri offers a variety of bold, flavorful food options that will certainly satisfy.
