Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious and healthy meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible smoky heat of piri piri peppers and the juicy tenderness of perfectly cooked chicken. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering restaurant-quality results without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, adjust cooking time accordingly)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-6 fresh piri piri peppers, finely chopped (or 1-2 tablespoons piri piri sauce, adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or crusty bread (for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped piri piri peppers (or piri piri sauce), minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade is the key to the amazing flavor of this dish.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-covered. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken deeply.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Avoid overcrowding the dish; if necessary, use two dishes.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces. For chicken breasts, reduce the baking time accordingly.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish the cooked chicken with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with cooked rice, a simple salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips for Piri Piri Chicken:
- Adjust the heat: If you're sensitive to spice, start with fewer piri piri peppers or use a milder chili. You can always add more heat later!
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will prevent the chicken from browning properly and steaming it instead.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken: This will result in juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Variations:
- Sheet Pan Piri Piri Chicken and Veggies: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or potatoes to the baking dish alongside the chicken for a complete one-pan meal.
- Grilled Piri Piri Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken over medium heat for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Piri Piri Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers before grilling or baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the ingredients used. However, a single serving generally provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. For a more precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients. This dish is a great addition to a healthy diet focusing on easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. It is a delicious and satisfying meal option.