Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
Piri Piri Chicken is a zesty and vibrant dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Originating from the African-Portuguese culinary tradition, this chicken is marinated in a spicy mix that makes it juicy and delicious. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Piri Piri Chicken is a great choice for several reasons. First, it’s packed with flavor and a little heat that will excite your taste buds. Second, it uses simple ingredients that you can easily find in your kitchen. Lastly, this dish is relatively quick to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks. You can impress your family and friends with a delicious meal that feels special without spending all day in the kitchen!
How to Make Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
Ingredients:
- 3–4 fresh red chilies (bird’s eye or red Fresno), chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine the chopped chilies, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken in a large dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Grill or bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until it is fully cooked and has a nice char, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Piri Piri Chicken!
How to Serve Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
Piri Piri Chicken is best served hot off the grill. You can pair it with a simple side of rice or salad to balance the spicy flavors. For an authentic touch, serve it with a drizzle of extra lemon juice. Adding some crusty bread is also a great way to soak up all the delicious marinade!
How to Store Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Piri Piri Chicken can last for 3-4 days when properly stored. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
- For a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chilies or use milder varieties.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will intensify the flavors.
- For an extra kick, add a splash of vinegar to the marinade.
- Make sure the grill or oven is hot before cooking to get the perfect char on the chicken.
Variation
For a different twist, you can try using different proteins like shrimp or vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just be aware that they may cook faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them!
2. How spicy is Piri Piri Chicken?
The spiciness depends on the type of chilies you use. Bird’s eye chilies are quite spicy, while Fresno chilies are usually milder. You can adjust the quantity to suit your taste.
3. Can I make the marinade in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just remember to mix it well before using it to marinate the chicken.
Enjoy making and savoring your Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken!
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Mediterranean Spicy & Flavorful Piri Piri Chicken
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Protein-rich
Description
A zesty and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, with a wonderful spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 3–4 fresh red chilies (bird’s eye or red Fresno), chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chopped chilies, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken in a large dish or a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.
- Grill or bake the chicken for about 25-30 minutes until it is fully cooked and has a nice char, turning occasionally for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Piri Piri Chicken!
Notes
For a milder flavor, reduce the number of chilies or use milder varieties. Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will intensify the flavors.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Piri Piri, Chicken, Mediterranean, Grilling, Spicy, Flavorful