Spicy Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken Delight
Savor the vibrant flavors of Portugal with this Spicy Piri Piri Chicken Delight. This dish combines tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon, garlic, and fiery hot pepper flakes. After marinating for at least four hours (or up to 24 for optimal flavor), the chicken is grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, flavorful exterior while keeping the meat juicy and succulent. Perfect for lunch or a hearty snack, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its bold taste and aromatic spices.
N/A
Servings
288
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grated fresh lemon rind
2 (tablespoons)
Lemon juice
3 (tablespoons)
Garlic
10 (cloves, minced)
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Hot pepper flakes
2 (teaspoons)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Chicken pieces
2 ((1 kg) lbs)
Instructions
1
In a large glass bowl, combine the grated lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, hot pepper flakes, and salt. Mix thoroughly to create a fragrant marinade.
2
Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade. Toss gently to cover all surfaces.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours; for best results, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours, remembering to turn the chicken occasionally to enhance flavor absorption.
4
Preheat a grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use.
5
Place the chicken skin-side down on the greased grill. Close the lid and grill for 10 minutes.
6
After 10 minutes, turn the chicken over and generously brush it with the reserved marinade. Continue to grill for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
7
For a milder flavor, substitute the Piri Piri marinade with a Portuguese Paprika Marinade consisting of: 1/3 cup dry white wine, 1 tsp grated lemon rind, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce, and 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken Delight?
It is a flavorful dish consisting of tender chicken pieces marinated in a zesty mixture of lemon, garlic, and hot pepper flakes, then grilled for a smoky finish.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features vibrant Portuguese flavors including zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fiery hot pepper flakes.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for a minimum of 4 hours, though up to 24 hours is recommended for optimal flavor absorption.
What ingredients are needed for the Piri Piri marinade?
The marinade consists of grated lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, hot pepper flakes, and salt.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine the lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, hot pepper flakes, and salt in a large glass bowl and mix thoroughly.
What should I do while the chicken is marinating?
You should turn the chicken occasionally while it is in the refrigerator to ensure it is evenly coated and the flavors are well absorbed.
At what temperature should I grill the chicken?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat before cooking.
How do I start the grilling process?
Place the chicken skin-side down on a greased grill, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes.
Should I save the marinade after removing the chicken?
Yes, you should reserve the marinade to brush onto the chicken later in the cooking process.
What do I do after the initial 10 minutes of grilling?
Turn the chicken over and generously brush it with the reserved marinade.
How long is the total grilling time after turning the chicken?
Continue to grill for an additional 30 to 40 minutes after turning and brushing with marinade.
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
Can I make a milder version of this dish?
Yes, you can substitute the Piri Piri marinade with a Portuguese Paprika Marinade for a milder flavor profile.
What are the ingredients for the milder Paprika Marinade?
The mild version includes dry white wine, lemon rind, lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, salt, hot pepper sauce, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 288 calories.
What is the protein content of this chicken dish?
This recipe provides 25g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in a serving of Piri Piri chicken?
There are 19g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
Each serving contains 5g of carbohydrates.
How much chicken does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs (approximately 1 kg) of chicken pieces.
How many garlic cloves are used in the Piri Piri marinade?
The recipe uses 10 minced cloves of garlic for a bold, aromatic taste.
What amount of hot pepper flakes is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of hot pepper flakes for its signature spice.
How much lemon juice is used?
You will need 3 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Is the grill supposed to be greased?
Yes, the instructions specify placing the chicken on a greased grill.
What type of bowl is recommended for marinating?
A large glass bowl is recommended for mixing the marinade and coating the chicken.
Is this dish suitable for a lunch meal?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for lunch or as a hearty snack.
What is the sodium content of this recipe?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional facts.
Can I use olive oil for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
No, the nutritional profile indicates that there is no sugar in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include piri piri chicken, portuguese cuisine, grilled chicken, spicy chicken, marinated chicken, barbecue, lunch, and snacks.
How many total ingredients are in the Piri Piri version?
There are 7 main ingredients used to create the Spicy Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken.