Grilled Piri-Piri Chicken is a tasty dish that's sure to spice up your barbecue! ��️ It comes from Mozambique and mixes African and Portuguese flavors. You'll need a butterflied chicken, a flavorful marinade made from piri-piri sauce, garlic, lemon, and chili peppers. Isn't it fun to marinate the chicken overnight? This lets the flavors really soak in! When you grill it, aim for a smoky taste by cooking on charcoal. It pairs great with fried potato chips and a fresh salad. Ready to impress your friends with this dish? You're about to uncover some exciting cooking tips! ��

Key Takeaways

• Grilled Piri-Piri Chicken is marinated in a spicy sauce made with malagueta chilies, garlic, and lemon for enhanced flavor.
• The dish is best prepared on a charcoal grill, which adds a distinct smoky essence.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safety.
• It pairs perfectly with freshly fried potato chips and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Piri-Piri Chicken offers a communal dining experience, making it ideal for summer barbecues and gatherings.

History

Piri-Piri chicken has fascinating roots in Mozambique, a former Portuguese colony. Did you know the name "Piri-Piri" comes from the Swahili word for "pepper"?

This dish beautifully blends African culinary practices with Portuguese flavors, much like the versatile cooking options offered by Traeger grills, which allow for various culinary techniques such as grilling and smoking versatile cooking methods.

Traditionally, you can make Piri-Piri chicken by spatchcocking the chicken and grilling it over a charcoal grill, which gives it that smoky taste we love. The famous piri-piri sauce adds a spicy kick, making it unforgettable.

As it gained popularity in the 20th century, Portuguese settlers introduced it to new places. Now, you can find it on menus worldwide, a true symbol of culinary fusion.

Isn't it amazing how one dish can tell such a rich story?

Recipe

Grilled Piri-Piri Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of spicy chili peppers, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon. This traditional Portuguese delight is perfect for summer barbecues or any gathering where good food is a must. The key to achieving the best flavor is marinating the chicken well, allowing the piri-piri sauce to penetrate the meat deeply. The result is a succulent and flavorful chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

For a convenient cooking experience, consider using a Presto griddle to prepare side dishes like fried potatoes or even the chicken itself if grilling isn't an option.

To create an authentic Piri-Piri experience, using a charcoal grill is crucial as it adds a delightful smoky essence to the chicken. Basting the chicken with the reserved marinade during grilling not only keeps it moist but also intensifies the flavors. Pair it with some freshly fried potato chips or a revitalizing salad, and you have a well-rounded meal that celebrates the bold and zesty characteristics of this dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole butterflied chicken
• 1 cup piri-piri sauce (made from malagueta chilies, garlic, and lemon)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for grilling)
• Freshly fried potato chips (for serving)
• Salad (for serving)

To prepare the Grilled Piri-Piri Chicken, start by marinating the butterflied chicken in the piri-piri sauce for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off, seasoning it with salt and pepper.

Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.

For best results, always allow the chicken to marinate longer, as this enhances the flavor considerably. If you prefer a milder version, consider adjusting the amount of chili used in the piri-piri sauce. Additionally, be mindful of the grilling time; larger chickens may require more cooking time, so always check for doneness.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a plate of Grilled Piri-Piri Chicken is more than just a meal; it's an experience that brings people together. This classic Portuguese dish, with its spicy and tangy flavor from piri-piri sauce, is perfect for gatherings.

Have you ever marinated chicken in piri-piri sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, and olive oil? Cooking it on a grill adds a smoky touch that makes it even more delicious! You can blend the sauce in a food processor to get the perfect consistency.

Plus, when paired with veggies, it fits nicely into a balanced diet. For those looking to enhance their cooking experience, consider using a smart air fryer that offers customizable presets for perfect results every time smart air fryer features.