What to Serve with Peri Peri Chicken: 20 Tasty Side Dishes to Complement the Heat

Peri peri chicken also known as piri piri chicken is a spicy dish with Portuguese and African roots. It features chicken pieces marinated and cooked in a fiery blend of chilies, garlic, vinegar, and spices. With its addictive heat and tang, peri peri chicken is a favorite for good reason. But what should you serve alongside it?

The right side dishes can enhance the peri peri chicken experience. A cooling, creamy, or crunchy accompaniment balances the heat. Starchy sides soak up the delicious juices. And fresh vegetables add nutrition.

Here are 20 of the best side dishes to serve with peri peri chicken

1. Rice

Rice is a starchy side that perfectly complements peri peri chicken It soaks up the delicious spicy juices, allowing you to savor every drop.

Coconut rice – Fragrant coconut rice provides a creamy contrast to the heat.

Spanish rice – Savory tomato-flavored Spanish rice is an excellent match.

Lime cilantro rice: The cilantro and lime add a sour flavor to the rice.

2. Wedges or Fries

Crispy potatoes offer a tasty crunch alongside peri peri chicken. Wedges and fries also readily absorb the flavors.

Sweet potato fries – The natural sweetness balances the heat.

Regular fries or wedges – A classic pairing, especially with peri peri dipping sauce.

Patatas bravas – Spanish-style potatoes with spicy sauce.

3. Coleslaw or Salad

A fresh slaw or salad offers cooling crunch and nutrition. The vinegar also cuts the heat.

Coleslaw – Creamy cabbage coleslaw is a classic.

Kale salad – Nutritious kale with tangy lemon dressing.

Tomato cucumber salad – Fresh tomatoes and cucumber with feta.

4. Roasted Vegetables

The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies pair well with peri peri chicken. Favorites include:

• Cauliflower
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash

5. Bread

Bread is useful for dipping into those delicious pan juices and sauce.

Garlic bread – The classic comforting pairing.

Naan – Great for wrapping up peri peri chicken pieces.

Cornbread – Southern-style cornbread makes a hearty side.

6. Beans or Legumes

Protein-packed beans and legumes provide satisfying plant-based nutrition.

Chickpeas – Roast them or make a chickpea salad with crunch.

Black beans – Try Mexican-style black beans.

Lentils – Spiced lentils work well.

7. Corn

A touch of sweet corn balances peri peri’s heat.

Corn on the cob – Simply boiled or grilled with butter.

Corn salsa – With zingy lime and cilantro.

8. Cheese

Rich, melted cheese makes a decadent accompaniment.

Mac and cheese – The ultimate comfort food pairing.

Cheesy garlic bread – Two classics together.

Halloumi – Salty grilled halloumi cheese.

9. Tropical Sides

Add exotic tropical flair with plantains, yucca, or coconut.

Fried plantains – Sweet caramelized fried plantains.

Yucca fries – Crunchy with garlicky mojo sauce.

Coconut rice – See rice suggestions above.

10. Pasta Salad

Chilled pasta salad is perfect for taking to a potluck or barbecue.

Pesto pasta salad – With zesty pesto dressing.

Macaroni salad – Old-fashioned macaroni salad with mayo.

Italian pasta salad – With tomatoes, cheese, and Italian dressing.

11. Mash

Creamy mashed vegetables make satisfying sides to peri peri chicken.

Mashed potatoes – The classic of course!

Cauliflower mash – For a lower carb option.

Carrot ginger mash – Sweet, vibrant and healthy.

12. Maize

In Africa, peri peri chicken is often accompanied by maize or corn meal.

Pap – South African corn porridge. Add some peri peri sauce!

Polenta – Creamy, cheese-infused Italian polenta.

Cornmeal mush – Simple Southern-style cornmeal.

13. Eggs

Protein-packed eggs offer a simple pairing for peri peri chicken.

Deviled eggs – Tangy deviled eggs balance the heat.

Boiled eggs – Easy peeled boiled eggs.

Fried eggs – Sunny-side up works well.

14. Avocado

Cool and creamy avocado-based sides provide healthy fat.

Guacamole – With zesty onions, tomatoes, lime and cilantro.

Avocado salad – Sliced avocado on spinach salad.

15. Yogurt or Cheese Sauce

Cooling yogurt-based or cheese sauces offset peri peri’s spice.

Cucumber raita – Indian-style yogurt with cucumber.

Tzatziki – Garlicky Greek yogurt sauce.

Cheese sauce – For dipping or drizzling.

16. Gravy

What’s a Southern-style chicken dinner without gravy?

Chicken gravy – Made from the pan drippings.

Sausage gravy – Hearty Southern-style sausage gravy.

17. Succotash

For a corn-centric accompaniment, succotash is the perfect choice.

Corn and lima bean succotash – The classic version.

Edamame succotash – With added edamame for protein.

18. Okra

In the southern US and Africa, okra is another excellent peri peri side.

Fried okra – Crispy fried okra fritters.

Okra and tomatoes – Stewed okra and tomatoes.

19. Couscous or Quinoa

Fluffy grains like couscous or quinoa round out the meal.

Lemon couscous – Zesty lemon couscous with fresh herbs.

Quinoa tabbouleh salad – With tomatoes, parsley and lemon.

20. Roasted Apples or Pears

For a sweet finish to cut the heat, try roasted apples or pears.

Cinnamon-sugar roasted apples.
Balsamic roasted pears.

With its addictive chili flavor, peri peri chicken needs equally tasty sides. Choose cool, creamy, crunchy, or starchy sides to complement the heat. Favorites like rice, slaw, fries, and salads are sure bets. Or try adventurous tropical, African, or Indian options. With peri peri chicken and the right sides, you have an unforgettable meal.