Spicy Grilled Pollo alla Diavola Recipe

Pollo alla Diavola Recipe

Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Ingredients:

Preparation Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by preparing the chicken, ensuring it is properly thawed if frozen. Place the chicken breast-side up on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along the sternum to open the chicken in half. Remove the central bone to create a flattened chicken, making it easier to cook evenly. This process will give the chicken a “butterflied” appearance.

2. Create the Flavorful Marinade:
   For the next step, you will need a food processor or a blender to prepare a vibrant herb mix. In your mixer, combine the coarse salt, fresh rosemary, fresh sage, garlic, and red chili pepper (adjust the amount of chili depending on your desired spice level; the amount provided in the recipe will create a moderately spicy dish). Blend these ingredients until they form a paste-like consistency. You can use a spoon to help mix them if necessary.

3. Tenderize the Chicken:
   Once your herb paste is ready, grab a meat mallet (or a rolling pin) and gently flatten the chicken to a more even thickness. This helps ensure it cooks uniformly and allows the herbs and spices to infuse every part of the chicken.

4. Season the Chicken:
   Take your herb paste and massage it into both the skin and the interior of the chicken. Make sure the mixture is well-distributed on all surfaces. The spices will not only enhance the flavor but will also help in achieving a crispy skin once cooked.

5. Cooking the Chicken:
   Now, heat a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Once the pan is hot, place the chicken inside, skin-side down. Let it cook undisturbed for approximately 25 minutes. Avoid moving or flipping the chicken during this time, as it will allow the skin to crisp up beautifully.

6. Flip and Finish Cooking:
   After 25 minutes, carefully flip the chicken to cook the other side. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat.

7. Serve the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Use a poultry shears (or a sharp knife) to cut the chicken in half along the breastbone. Then, cut it into smaller pieces if desired. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Enjoy your Pollo alla Diavola, a flavorful, aromatic dish with the perfect balance of heat and herbs, ideal for a family dinner or special occasion!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Cooking Tips:

• Chili Heat Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili based on your preference for spiciness. You can also experiment with different types of chili for varied flavors, such as fresher green chilies for a milder heat or even smoked chili for a more complex profile.
• Olive Oil Substitution: While extra virgin olive oil brings out the best in this dish, you can substitute with another high-quality oil, such as avocado oil, if you prefer a lighter oil flavor.
• Herb Variations: For a different flavor twist, you can experiment with adding thyme, oregano, or bay leaves in the herb paste.

Serving Suggestions:
Pair this chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a creamy potato mash to complement the bold flavors of Pollo alla Diavola. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of full-bodied red wine, such as a Chianti or Syrah, which will enhance the richness and spiciness of the chicken.

Enjoy this classic Italian dish, a perfect addition to your dinner rotation on Love With Recipes!