Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken 🇵🇹🔥
Prep Time: 24 hours
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 24 hours and 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the fiery flavors of Portugal with this mouthwatering Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken recipe, sourced from The Complete Canadian Living Cookbook. The prep time may seem lengthy, but it’s worth it for the incredible depth of flavor that comes from marinating the chicken for an extended period. Bursting with tangy lemon, garlic, and the signature heat of Piri Piri sauce, this dish is perfect for lunch, snacks, or any occasion where you crave a taste of European flair. With its high protein content and low carb profile, it’s a hit with both health-conscious eaters and spice enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients:
- 2 fresh lemon rind
- 3 lemon juice
- 10 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
- 2 pounds chicken pieces
Instructions:
- Marinate: In a large glass bowl, combine fresh lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Coat Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the marinade, turning them to coat thoroughly. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the chicken to marinate. For optimal results, marinate for up to 24 hours, turning the chicken occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Grill: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. Reserve some of the marinade for basting.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on a greased grill, skin side down. Close the lid and grill for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook partially.
- Baste and Cook: After 10 minutes, turn the chicken pieces and brush them with the reserved marinade. Continue to grill for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced.
- Serve: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- For a milder version of this dish, you can replace the Piri Piri marinade with a Portuguese Paprika Marinade. Simply combine dry white wine, grated lemon rind, lemon juice, tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, salt, hot pepper sauce, and minced garlic.
- Serve your Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken with traditional sides like rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
- This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to control the level of spiciness, or add extra garlic for an even more robust flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and are delicious served cold or reheated for a quick and easy meal option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 1151.3
- Fat: 82.1g
- Saturated Fat: 22.5g
- Cholesterol: 375mg
- Sodium: 642.7mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Protein: 93.6g
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Portugal with this sensational Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken recipe. With its tantalizing blend of citrus, garlic, and spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite that you’ll crave again and again. So fire up the grill and get ready to experience a taste sensation like no other! 🍗🔥
