chicken piri piri recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken piri piri recipe

I’ve been making chicken piri piri for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. The origin of this recipe is from South Africa, where it’s a staple in many households. The name ‘piri piri’ literally means ‘pepper pepper’ in Swahili, which gives you an idea of the dish’s flavor profile.

When I first tried it, I was hooked by the combination of spices and the tender chicken. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that never fails to impress my family and friends. The key to making great chicken piri piri is in the marinade.

A mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices is all you need to make the dish shine. I like to use a combination of chili flakes, cumin, coriander, and paprika to give it that authentic flavor. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes.

One of the best things about chicken piri piri is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a main course or use it as a topping for salads or wraps. It’s also a great option for potlucks or family gatherings because it’s easy to make in large quantities.

As a bonus, chicken piri piri is also relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes. The marinade helps to tenderize the meat without adding extra calories or fat. Plus, the spices add plenty of flavor without relying on heavy sauces or seasonings.

Chicken Piri Piri

4.6 from 1313 votes

Chicken Piri Piri is a spicy Portuguese grilled chicken dish. This recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful piri piri sauce, then grilled to perfection.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

4 chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic
1 large onion
2 bell peppers
6-8 piri piri peppers
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp piri piri peppers
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2This will ensure the grill is hot enough to sear the chicken and create a nice char.
3While the grill is heating, prepare the marinade.
4Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
5This will help the marinade adhere better to the chicken.
6In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, onion, bell peppers, piri piri peppers, white wine vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
7Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
8Place the chicken breasts in a large mixing bowl or a zip-top bag.
9Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated.
10Cover the bowl or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
11Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.
12Discard the remaining marinade.
13Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
14The chicken should be opaque throughout with no pink or translucent areas.
15Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
16This will help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
17While the chicken is resting, prepare the Piri Piri sauce.
18In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, garlic, piri piri peppers, smoked paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
19Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
20This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.
21Serve the grilled chicken with the Piri Piri sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Grill
Cutting board
Knife
Food processor or blender
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 100mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: To make this recipe spicier, increase the number of piri piri peppers in the marinade and sauce. For a milder version, reduce the number of peppers or remove the seeds and membranes before using.

Chicken Piri Piri is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a dish that brings people together and is always a crowd-pleaser. You can serve it with a variety of sides, and it’s easy to adjust the spiciness to suit your family’s preferences.

I always make sure to have leftovers in the fridge for a quick and easy lunch the next day. It reheats well in the oven or on the grill. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to serve, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or on the grill. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a family gathering, a dinner party, or a quick weeknight meal. It’s a dish that’s easy to make and always a hit with my family.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Piri Piri

Q1: What is chicken piri piri?

Chicken piri piri is a dish originating from South Africa that consists of marinated chicken cooked in a spicy sauce.

Q2: What are the ingredients needed for this recipe?

You’ll need boneless chicken breasts or thighs, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Q3: How do I marinate the chicken?

Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and add the chicken. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

Q4: Can I use different types of peppers in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of peppers like jalapenos or habaneros if you prefer a spicier dish.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

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