Piri-Piri Chicken Recipe

Piri-piri chicken is a spicy dish with roots in both Africa and Portugal.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken, either spatchcock or cut in quarters
- or 8ths
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. Piri Piri Paste, Delicious Dish
- Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Timing Note: it is preferable to marinate this chicken all day in the fridge and bring it to room temperature for one hour before grilling. Alternatively, marinate the chicken at room temperature for up to 90 minutes before grilling.
- 2
In a small bowl, mix together the lemon juice, olive oil, and piri piri paste.
- 3
Using your hands, lift the skin away from the chicken a little and push some of the piri piri mixture under the skin and all over the chicken. Let the chicken marinate (see step 1).
- 4
Preheat the grill to medium high for 20 minutes.
- 5
Place the chicken, skin side up, on one side of the grill and lower the temperature to low under the chicken leaving the other side of the grill on high.
- 6
Cook for 20 minutes, flip and repeat.
- 7
Remove from the grill and sprinkle with cilantro and jalapeño slices. Serves 3-4
Tips & Storage
- How to Store
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Chicken and turkey reheat well in the oven at 325°F to keep the meat moist.
- Can I Freeze This?
- Absolutely. Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Cooking Tip
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking for juicier results.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Piri-Piri Chicken?
This Piri-Piri Chicken recipe by Carolyn Cohen includes step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. You'll need 7 ingredients and the recipe is designed for home cooks of all skill levels.
Can I make this piri-piri chicken ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.