piri piri chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
piri piri chicken recipe
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The Best piri piri chicken recipe

I’m thrilled to share with you my family’s favorite piri piri chicken recipe. This dish has a rich history that dates back to the Swahili coast, where it was a staple in many coastal towns. The name ‘piri piri’ roughly translates to ‘pepper pepper’ in Swahili, which refers to the spicy sauce that is characteristic of this dish.

The sauce is made from a blend of hot peppers, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice, which gives it a unique flavor and aroma. The taste of piri piri chicken is nothing short of amazing. It’s spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet all at once.

When you take a bite, the flavors explode in your mouth, leaving you wanting more. My kids love this dish because it’s not too spicy for them, but still packs enough heat to make them sweat. One of the key techniques in making piri piri chicken is grilling or roasting the chicken over high heat.

This gives the chicken a nice char on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside. I like to use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe because they’re easier to grill or roast evenly. Another reason why I love this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make.

Just marinate the chicken in the piri piri sauce for at least 30 minutes, then grill or roast it until it’s cooked through. You can serve it with rice, vegetables, or even over a bed of greens for a healthy meal.

Piri Piri Chicken

Piri Piri Chicken

4.6 from 1505 votes

A spicy and flavorful Portuguese-inspired dish featuring grilled chicken marinated in piri piri sauce. This recipe is perfect for a zesty meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp piri piri sauce
2 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, piri piri sauce, and cayenne pepper.
2Mix well until a smooth paste forms.
3Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
5Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat until it is very hot and slightly smoking.
6Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill pan.
7Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
8The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the juices should run clear when cut.
9Baste the chicken with any remaining marinade during the last few minutes of cooking.
10This will enhance the flavor and create a nice glaze.
11Be careful as the sauce may cause flare-ups.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Grill pan
Basting brush
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper and piri piri sauce. Serve with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Piri Piri Chicken Works

Piri piri chicken is a staple in our household for any occasion. Whether we’re having friends over or just need a quick dinner option, this recipe never fails to impress.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Simply marinate the chicken in the piri piri sauce for at least 30 minutes, then grill or roast it until cooked through.

You can store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Piri Piri Chicken

What type of peppers should I use for the piri piri sauce?

You can use any type of hot pepper you like for this recipe, but I prefer to use Scotch bonnet or habanero peppers for their intense heat and flavor.

Can I make this recipe without any heat at all?

Yes, you can adjust the level of heat in this recipe by using milder peppers or omitting some of the seeds and membranes from the peppers.

How long does the marinade need to sit before grilling?

At least 30 minutes is recommended for optimal flavor and tenderization.

Can I use store-bought mayonnaise instead of making my own?

While store-bought mayonnaise will work in a pinch, making your own mayonnaise from scratch will give you a richer and creamier texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No, this recipe uses chicken as its main ingredient; however, you can easily substitute it with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

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