Grilled Piri Piri Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings the heat of Portuguese cooking right to your backyard. I first tried making this recipe after a trip to Portugal, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The combination of fresh red chilies, garlic, and herbs creates a marinade that’s both spicy and aromatic. What I love most is how the lemon brightens up all the flavors, making each bite pop with taste.
About the Recipe
This recipe takes basic chicken and turns it into something special through a vibrant marinade. The mix of fresh herbs and chilies creates layers of flavor that go way beyond your typical grilled chicken. It’s spicy but not overwhelming, and the lemon adds a fresh zip that makes everything taste bright and sunny. Even if you’re new to grilling, this recipe is pretty forgiving and gives great results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it’s super flexible – you can make it as spicy or mild as you like by adjusting the chilies. The prep is straightforward – just blend, marinate, and grill. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store, and the marinade does most of the work for you. Best of all, the chicken comes out juicy inside with a slightly crispy outside, and the flavor goes all the way through.
Cooking Tips
– Let the chicken come to room temperature before grilling
– Don’t skip the marinating time – it makes a big difference
– If using a grill pan, press the chicken down gently for better contact
– Keep an eye on the heat – medium is best to avoid burning
– Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if you’re unsure
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serves 4-6 people. Total prep and cooking time is about 3 hours (including marinating). Serve hot with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.
Similar Recipes
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken
- Spicy BBQ Chicken
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
- Portuguese-Style Roasted Chicken
Nutrient Benefits
This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from olive oil. The chilies are rich in vitamin C and capsaicin, which may boost metabolism. Fresh herbs add antioxidants and minerals, while garlic offers immune-supporting compounds.
Grilled Piri Piri Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken (thighs and breasts)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Red Capsicum (small, seeds removed, chopped)
- 2 Red Chillies (small, seeds removed, chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Coriander Leaves (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Parsley Leaves (finely chopped)
- 1 Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Combine the capsicum, red chillies, garlic, coriander leaves, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, red chilli flakes and salt.
- Grind them together for 1 minute.
- Slowly add the olive oil and mix well.
- Grind again for 30 seconds to mix evenly.
- Place the chicken pieces in a baking tray.
- Rub the ground piri piri sauce all over the chicken until evenly coated.
- Cover and keep it in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours.
- Heat a grill pan over medium flame.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 15 to 20 minutes on all sides.
- Baste the chicken with any remaining sauce and cook for another 5 minutes or until the chicken pieces are well cooked.
- Remove, cut into pieces and transfer to a serving plate.
- Serve at once.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies. You can also substitute sweet paprika for some of the chili flakes.
Can I use chicken wings instead?
Sure. Just adjust the cooking time down to about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.
2 comments
Will try the recipe and let you know,sounds and looks yummy.
I am going to try your Piri Piri chicken soon and will let you know. Thanks.