Teresa's Recipes
Authentic Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken
This authentic Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken recipe brings out the rich, smoky flavor of the chicken which pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of the Piri Piri sauce. The chicken is marinated in a vibrant blend of spices, lemon juice, and garlic, then grilled to golden perfection. Its crispy skin, tender meat, and robust flavor will transport you to the sunny coasts of Portugal. This recipe is a feast for the senses and a must-try for any grill enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
- 1 teaspoon, or to taste Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 4, minced Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Homemade Piri Piri sauce
- For the Piri Piri Sauce:
- 10 Bird's eye chilies
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 1/4 cup White vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 34g
- Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 51g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- To make the Piri Piri sauce, combine bird's eye chilies, garlic, olive oil, white vinegar, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, paprika, olive oil, lemon juice, Piri Piri sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the chicken pieces for about 20 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy and golden.
- Serve the Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinating the chicken overnight allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply.
- You can adjust the spice levels of the Piri Piri sauce to your preference by adding or reducing the number of chilies.
- Pair this dish with a Portuguese Vinho Verde to enhance your dining experience.