Description
Piri Piri Chicken is a spicy grilled chicken dish that is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and herbs, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 pounds whole chicken or 4–6 chicken thighs/drumsticks
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions
- Heat your grill to a medium-high temperature, around 375°F to 400°F, or set your oven to 425°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, chopped garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, sea salt, black pepper, red wine vinegar, and honey. Whisk until smooth.
- If using a whole chicken, consider spatchcocking it for even cooking. Otherwise, place chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, ideally overnight.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken and let excess marinade drip off before discarding it.
- Grill the chicken for approximately 30-40 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy. If roasting, arrange on a baking sheet and cook for 35-45 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the marinade.
- Pair with grilled veggies or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
- A few drops of liquid smoke can enhance the marinade’s smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Roasting
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg