
Piri Piri Chicken
A traditional Portuguese dish of spicy grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- •Chicken
- •Piri piri sauce
- •Garlic
- •Olive oil
- •Lemon
- •Paprika
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
Marinate chicken with piri piri sauce and spices
Grill
Grill chicken until cooked through
Serve
Serve with lemon wedges
Piri Piri Chicken is a traditional Portuguese dish known for its spicy and flavorful grilled chicken.
The dish has its roots in Portuguese cuisine but is heavily influenced by African flavors, particularly from Mozambique and Angola, where the piri piri chili pepper is commonly used.
To make Piri Piri Chicken, you start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of piri piri sauce, garlic, olive oil, lemon, and paprika. This marinade infuses the chicken with a spicy and tangy flavor.
Once marinated, the chicken is grilled until it is cooked through and has a deliciously charred exterior. The grilling process adds a smoky depth to the dish.
While the traditional recipe is cherished, some variations include adding different herbs or spices to the marinade to suit personal preferences. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by using more or fewer piri piri peppers.
In Portugal, Piri Piri Chicken is typically served with lemon wedges and a side of fries or a fresh salad. It's a popular dish for gatherings and barbecues, bringing people together with its bold flavors.
From a nutritional perspective, Piri Piri Chicken is a good source of protein, but it can be quite spicy, so it's important to enjoy it in moderation if you have a sensitive palate. Additionally, the use of olive oil in the marinade provides healthy fats, making it a relatively balanced meal.