Ever found yourself staring at a beautiful plate of spicy peri peri chicken wondering what on earth to serve alongside it? Trust me, I’ve been there! This fiery, tangy Portuguese-African dish deserves companions that can stand up to its bold personality without stealing the spotlight
After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and making my fair share of pairing mistakes!), I’ve put together this collection of side dishes that perfectly complement peri peri chicken. Whether you’re looking for something to cool down the heat, match its intensity, or just round out your meal, I’ve got you covered!
What Makes Peri Peri Chicken Special?
Before diving into the sides let’s quickly talk about what makes peri peri chicken so unique. This dish features chicken marinated in a sauce made from African bird’s eye chili (piri piri in Portuguese), combined with citrus herbs, garlic and other spices. The result is smoky, spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious.
The complex flavor profile means we need sides that can either
- Balance the heat
- Complement the tanginess
- Provide textural contrast
- Round out the meal
Let’s explore the best options!
15 Perfect Side Dishes for Peri Peri Chicken
1. Coconut Lime Rice
This fragrant side is one of my absolute favorites with peri peri chicken. The creamy coconut mellows the chicken’s heat while the lime adds brightness that echoes the citrus notes in the peri peri sauce.
Why it works: The coconut milk’s richness tames the spice while the lime juice provides a complementary tanginess. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Quick recipe: Simmer rice in coconut milk instead of water, finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro.
2. Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges
If you’re a fan of the heat, these wedges double down on the spicy goodness of your main dish.
Why it works: The natural sweetness of the potatoes offers a counterpoint to the savory chicken, while the spices create a consistent flavor theme throughout your meal.
Pro tip: Serve with a cooling yogurt dip to provide relief from all that heat!
3. Portuguese Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
This tomato-infused rice is an authentic pairing that honors peri peri chicken’s Portuguese connections.
Why it works: The tomato flavor complements the tanginess in the chicken, and the rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Fun fact: This is actually a traditional pairing in Portuguese cuisine!
4. Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad
When serving something spicy, it’s always nice to have a cooling element on the plate.
Why it works: The cold, creamy yogurt provides instant relief from the chicken’s heat, while the cucumber adds refreshing crunch.
Simple recipe: Mix diced cucumber with Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Chill before serving.
5. Grilled Corn with Lime and Cilantro
There’s something magical about the combination of peri peri chicken and grilled corn.
Why it works: The char from the grill complements the smoky notes in the chicken, while the sweet corn kernels provide a pleasant contrast to the spicy main.
Make it special: After grilling, brush with butter, sprinkle with lime zest, and finish with fresh cilantro.
6. No-Mayo Coleslaw
A lighter take on traditional coleslaw that won’t weigh down your meal.
Why it works: The crisp veggies and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
Healthy twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra tanginess.
7. Minty Macho Peas
Want the authentic Nando’s experience? Serve your peri peri chicken with these herb-packed peas!
Why it works: The fresh mint provides a cooling element, while the peas add a sweet, starchy component to round out the meal.
Quick to make: Just need frozen peas, butter, mint, and a pinch of chili flakes. Ready in under 10 minutes!
8. Garlic Naan Bread
Though not traditional, naan bread makes a fantastic vehicle for enjoying every last bit of peri peri sauce.
Why it works: The soft, pillowy bread is perfect for sopping up sauce, and the garlic flavor complements the chicken beautifully.
Serving suggestion: Warm the naan and brush with melted butter before serving.
9. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
For a nutritious and colorful side that holds its own alongside peri peri chicken.
Why it works: The protein-packed quinoa makes the meal more substantial, while the fresh vegetables and feta provide cooling elements.
Make ahead: This salad actually tastes better when made a few hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld.
10. Grilled Halloumi with Honey
This unique cheese side brings a salty-sweet element to your peri peri chicken meal.
Why it works: The salty cheese complements the chicken’s spice, while the honey drizzle adds an unexpected sweetness.
Simple preparation: Just grill slices of halloumi for 2 minutes per side, then drizzle with honey before serving.
11. Roasted Vegetable Medley
A colorful mix of roasted vegetables makes for a nutritious and visually appealing side.
Why it works: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables, which balances the spicy chicken perfectly.
Veggie suggestions: Try bell peppers, zucchini, red onions, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful mix.
12. Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
This refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad is my go-to when I want something light and cooling.
Why it works: The juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumber provide hydration against the spicy chicken, while the feta adds a creamy, salty element.
Quick assembly: Just dice tomatoes and cucumber, crumble feta, and dress with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
13. Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Add a pop of color and earthy flavor to your plate with this golden side dish.
Why it works: The earthy turmeric complements the complex spices in peri peri chicken, and the roasted texture adds another dimension to your meal.
Simple spice mix: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, turmeric, cumin, salt and pepper before roasting.
14. Buttered Cornbread
Southern-style cornbread might seem like an unusual pairing, but it works surprisingly well!
Why it works: The slight sweetness of the cornbread balances the heat of the chicken, and its sturdy texture is perfect for soaking up sauce.
Serving tip: Serve it warm with a pat of butter for maximum enjoyment.
15. Smoky Red Pepper Hummus with Pita
This creamy dip with warm pita makes a satisfying side that feels indulgent.
Why it works: The smoky flavors in the hummus echo those in the chicken, while the chickpea base provides a protein boost.
Quick shortcut: You can start with store-bought hummus and blend in roasted red peppers and smoked paprika.
Creating a Balanced Peri Peri Chicken Meal
When planning your peri peri chicken dinner, think about creating balance on your plate:
- Temperature contrast – Something cool with something hot
- Texture variety – Something creamy with something crispy
- Flavor balance – Something mild to balance the spice
- Color appeal – Create a visually exciting plate
For example, you might serve your peri peri chicken with coconut lime rice (starchy), cucumber yogurt salad (cooling), and grilled corn (sweet). This creates a meal with balanced flavors, textures, and nutritional components.
Quick Tips for Serving Peri Peri Chicken
- Sauce options: Always have extra peri peri sauce available for those who want more heat
- Beverage pairing: Serve with something cooling like cucumber water or a crisp white wine
- Family style: Consider serving sides family-style so everyone can build their perfect plate
- Leftovers: Many of these sides taste great the next day, making for excellent meal prep
Final Thoughts
Peri peri chicken is one of those dishes that’s both impressive and accessible for home cooks. With these side dish options, you can create restaurant-quality meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
My personal fave combo is the coconut lime rice with cucumber yogurt salad and some charred vegetable skewers. The balance of flavors and textures is just chef’s kiss!
What’s your go-to side for peri peri chicken? I’m always looking to try new combinations, so drop me a comment below with your favorites!
Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible – don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas based on what you have available. The best meals often come from creative improvisation!
7 – Piri Piri Fries
Fries that kick it up a notch? Count us in!
These crispy gems get a spicy makeover with piri piri seasoning.
It’s all about that fiery twist. They have the perfect combination of crunch and spice.
Make them golden by frying or baking for a healthier touch.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for the win.
Piri piri fries complement everything, from burgers to grilled meats.
Grab your fries and appreciate the heat!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Peri Peri Chicken
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve with peri peri chicken:
Peri Peri Chicken
FAQ
What do you eat peri peri chicken with?
Usually hand cut long fries are served with Peri Peri chicken but I really love the round chips at Portuguese restaurants better so I served them with these round potato chips that are infinitely better (and easier!) to make. They’re like a cross between fries and a potato chip/crisp.
What does Jamie Oliver eat with piri piri chicken?
Jamie Oliver’s Peri peri chicken recipe is a delicious and spicy chicken dish that everyone can enjoy. Served with sweet potato wedges and a jalapeño salsa, it’s pretty cheeky!
What goes well with chicken as a side dish?
What rice to serve with peri peri chicken?
Butter: I love cooking the peri peri rice in butter, it gives it this beautiful flavor, but you can sub extra olive oil if you prefer. Basmati rice: Regular white basmati rice, I haven’t tested this with brown rice so don’t recommend changing this up. Long grain rice works best here.