Did you ever find yourself staring at a piece of peri peri chicken, thinking, "What on earth do I serve with this firecracker?"
It can be tricky to find the right sides that complement that spicy goodness without stealing the spotlight.
We all love a good plate of peri peri chicken, a Portuguese-African grilled chicken marinated in peri‑peri (African bird's eye) chiles, but what's the perfect sidekick?
From crispy veggies to tasty grains, there's a side dish for everyone.
Trust us, these pairings will have your dinner spread singing. Get ready to improve your next meal without breaking a sweat!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Peri Peri Chicken
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve with peri peri chicken:
1 - Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges
Ever stared at spicy sweet potato wedges and thought, "Why are these so good?"
These wedges are crispy and soft, with a sweet yet spicy kick (with warm, earthy notes from smoked paprika). We recommend seasoning them well before roasting.
Use paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for that extra flavor.
Dipping them in a tangy yogurt sauce is a solid idea. It cools the heat and adds creaminess.
These wedges pair with plenty of dishes, from burgers to grilled meats, and work well as sweet potato sides for soups.
2 - Grilled Corn with Lime and Cilantro
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Grilled corn is a classic (made from sweet corn, Zea mays). The smoky sweetness hits different when you squeeze fresh lime over it.
Add a sprinkle of cilantro for that bright finish. It's all about balance.
We like to char it nicely for those killer grill marks.
Make it extra juicy with a slather of butter if you're feeling fancy.
Great with spicy chicken, tacos, or just on its own as a snack, and can also be served alongside grilled salmon side dishes for lighter mains.
3 - Portuguese Rice (Arroz de Tomate)
Who wouldn't want rice that knows how to party? This dish adds a bright touch to any meal.
It blends tomatoes with garlic and onion (using ripe plum tomatoes for a sweet acidity).
We find that the flavours blend well with chicken. The rice soaks up all that juicy goodness.
It's simple to prepare, making it a go-to for busy days.
Adding some fresh herbs gives it a nice finish. Cilantro or parsley works wonders here.
This rice is all about bringing out the best in your main dishes and pairs nicely with wild rice side pairings for hearty mains.
4 - Charred Vegetable Skewers
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Have you ever thought, "Where's my veggie treat?" Charred veggie skewers are our go-to solution.
They come together in a jiffy. Grab your favorite veggies, add a splash of oil, and toss on some seasoning (use about 2 tablespoon olive oil per 500g vegetables).
We like to use bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a colour pop. Skewers get a fun char on the grill.
The smoky flavour shines through. Pair them with some dipping sauce for added fun.
Veggies never tasted this good! Great for adding colour to any plate.
5 - Couscous Salad with Fresh Herbs
Couscous salad is that bright side dish we can't ignore. It's all about those fluffy little grains and fresh herbs (use a 1:1.5 couscous-to-liquid ratio for fluffy pearls).
We toss in cucumber, tomatoes, and maybe some feta for fun.
A drizzle of olive oil brings it all together. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice for brightness.
Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.
Versatility shines here; it pairs nicely with almost anything, including taco salad sides for bold flavors.
Super easy to prep in advance.
6 - Roasted Garlic and Lemon Broccoli
Roasted garlic and lemon broccoli? It's greens that even veggie haters can appreciate.
We blast some garlic and drizzle lemon juice for a fresh kick. Toss the florets in olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and you're golden.
Roasting brings out those sweet, caramelized flavors (roast at 425°F/220°C for 15-20 minutes). Looking for a quick side?
This one's a total no-brainer.
Pair it with chicken or just eat it straight from the tray, or enjoy with roasted vegetables side options for hearty meals.
Enjoy its bright color on your plate!
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 (made with piri‑piri, an African bird's eye chili blend).
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!
8 - Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Ah, Mediterranean quinoa salad. Who knew quinoa could be so flashy?
This dish is all about those fluffy grains (quinoa, a protein-rich pseudocereal from the Andes). They're mixed with fresh veggies and a zesty dressing.
We toss in cucumbers, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta for excitement.
Adding olives gives a nice briny punch. Cool it in the fridge for a refreshing crunch.
This salad doesn't just stand alone. It pairs with grilled meats or can be a quick lunch.
Easy to prep ahead. It's a great way to use leftovers, too!
9 - Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad
What's cooler than a cucumber? A creamy cucumber yogurt salad!
We whip this up with simple ingredients. Greek yogurt gives it a fantastic base (use full-fat Greek yogurt, about ½ cup per medium cucumber).
Toss in finely chopped cucumbers for crunch. Add dill or mint for freshness.
This dish is a great way to cool off spicy meals.
Perfect for summer barbecues or as a light snack.
The creamy texture balances well with crispy sides.
We enjoy this with almost everything on our plates.
10 - Grilled Halloumi with Honey
Grilled halloumi with honey is a funky twist on cheese. This dish brings salty and sweet together on one plate.
We grill halloumi until golden and gooey. Then we drizzle honey for that sweet finish.
It's really easy to make. Just toss it on the grill for a few minutes.
Halloumi doesn't melt away like other cheeses (a firm Cypriot cheese traditionally made from sheep and goat milk). It stays intact and delicious.
We enjoy it as a snack or alongside meals. It's also great for taking to parties.
11 - Smoky Red Pepper Hummus with Pita
So, smoky red pepper hummus with pita is like the ultimate snack duo.
This dip brings a spicy kick to your regular hummus (made with roasted red bell peppers, Capsicum annuum). It has a creamy texture that makes it easy to spread or scoop.
We recommend using fresh pita for the best experience. Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds flair.
We like to whip this up for quick get-togethers or chilling on the couch.
Pair it with crunchy veggies for a lighter snack option. It's that easy to step up your appetizer game.
12 - Buttered Cornbread
Buttered cornbread is a classic. It's that side dish everyone wants at the table.
This version is fluffy inside with a dreamy buttery finish (using a 1:1 cornmeal-to-flour ratio for a tender crumb).
We tweak the sweetness just right. It's great with chili or just butter.
No fancy techniques needed. It's quick to whip up.
Adding corn kernels gives it a nice pop. It's fun to play with different toppings too.
From jalapeños to honey, variations are endless.
Leftovers? Toast it for breakfast. You'll thank yourself later.
13 - Sautéed Kale with Garlic and Chili
Sautéed kale with garlic and chili is our go-to side dish when we want greens that really shine on a plate.
This dish is all about simple prep and bold flavor. Toss kale in a pan with oil, garlic, and a pinch of chili for that extra zing.
We prefer it crispy, not soggy. Don't forget to add a splash of lemon for brightness (about 1 teaspoon per bunch).
It pairs well with most mains, making it a versatile choice.
Leftovers? Toss them in a smoothie or a wrap.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
