Experience the true essence of Portugal through our recipe . Juicy chicken grilled to perfection , enhanced with the bold flavors of authentic piri-piri sauce .

Master creating this delightful dish at home to elevate your dinner with a taste of Portugal's rich culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

  - 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)

  - 4 bone-in chicken drumsticks (skin-on)

  - 1/4 cup olive oil

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 2-3 red chili peppers (adjust to taste), finely chopped

  - 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  - 1 teaspoon salt

  - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade:In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped red chili peppers, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Marinate the Chicken:

1-Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag.

2-Pour the prepared piri-piri marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.

3-Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the marinade.

Grill the Chicken:

1-Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F / 190-200°C).

2-Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess.

3-Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill, skin side down.

4-Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely charred, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

5-While grilling, you can brush some of the leftover marinade onto the chicken for added flavor, but discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.

Serve:

1-Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter.

2-Serve the Piri-Piri Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley, and accompanied by sides like rice, grilled vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Enjoy the spicy and flavorful delight of Piri-Piri Chicken straight from the grill!

Nutritional Values:

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks:

Chicken Thighs (1 thigh, about 75g):

  - Calories: 150

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 7g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

Chicken Drumsticks (1 drumstick, about 75g):

  - Calories: 140

  - Protein: 19g

  - Fat: 7g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits :

  - Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

  - Healthy Fats: Provide energy, support cell growth, protect organs, and help the body absorb certain vitamins.

  - Iron: Supports oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.

  - Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant, supports thyroid function, and helps reduce inflammation.

Olive Oil (1 tablespoon, about 15ml):

  - Calories: 120

  - Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

benefits :

  - Monounsaturated Fats: May help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL), reduce the risk of heart disease, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.

  - Antioxidants: Protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health

Garlic (1 clove, about 3g):

  - Calories: 5

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Allicin: A compound with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.

  - Antioxidants: Help combat oxidative stress and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

  - Sulfur Compounds: May have antibacterial and antiviral properties, supporting immune health.

Red Chili Peppers (2-3 peppers, about 30g):

  - Calories: 10

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Capsaicin: The active component responsible for the heat in chili peppers, which may help boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and promote fat burning.

  - Vitamin C: An antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and wound healing.

Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons, about 30ml):

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Vitamin C: Essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and iron absorption.

  - Antioxidants: Help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

Smoked Paprika and Dried Oregano:

Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon, about 2g):

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Rich in Antioxidants: Smoked paprika is packed with antioxidants like carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

  - Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The capsaicin found in paprika can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially aiding in the management of conditions like arthritis.

  - Supports Eye Health: Smoked paprika is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision and may help prevent age-related eye conditions.

  - Boosts Metabolism: The capsaicin in smoked paprika can slightly increase metabolism, supporting weight management efforts.

Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon, about 1g):

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :Antioxidants: Help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Salt and Black Pepper:

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits :

  - Electrolyte Balance: Salt is crucial for maintaining the body's fluid balance, which is essential for proper muscle and nerve function.

  - Blood Pressure Regulation: While excessive salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, the right amount helps maintain normal blood pressure levels by balancing fluids in the body.

  - Nerve Function: Sodium, the primary component of salt, is vital for nerve signal transmission, ensuring that muscles and nerves function correctly.

  - Enhances Flavor: Salt enhances the flavor of foods, which can make healthy foods more palatable, encouraging a more balanced diet.

Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

benefits : While these ingredients don't contribute significant nutritional value, they add flavor to dishes and can enhance the enjoyment of meals when used in moderation.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, preparation method, and specific ingredients used.