- **Vinegar**: 1-2 tablespoons (white or apple cider for acidity).
- **Bay leaves**: 2-3 (optional, for added aroma).
- **Marinade**:
- Combine Piri Piri sauce with chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- **Garnish (optional)**:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped).
- Lemon wedges (for serving).
This **Grilled Chicken Piri Piri recipe** is perfect for a spicy, flavorful meal. Use these ingredients to create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Steps
# How to Make Grilled Chicken Piri Piri: A Flavorful Step-by-Step Guide
Grilled chicken piri piri is a spicy, tangy, and aromatic dish that originates from Portuguese and African cuisine. This recipe combines tender grilled chicken with a fiery piri piri sauce, making it a perfect meal for spice lovers. Follow these detailed steps to create a restaurant-quality grilled chicken piri piri at home.
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## **Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Piri Piri**
### For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
### For the Piri Piri Sauce:
- 10-12 fresh red chili peppers (adjust for spice level)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Piri Piri Sauce**
1. **Blend the Ingredients**: In a food processor or blender, combine the red chili peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. **Adjust Consistency**: If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to achieve a pourable consistency.
3. **Set Aside**: Transfer the piri piri sauce to a bowl and set aside.
### **Step 2: Marinate the Chicken**
1. **Season the Chicken**: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. **Add the Sauce**: Reserve 1/4 cup of the piri piri sauce for basting later. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. **Marinate**: Cover the chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
### **Step 3: Grill the Chicken**
1. **Preheat the Grill**: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C).
2. **Grill the Chicken**: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. **Baste with Sauce**: During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved piri piri sauce for extra flavor.
### **Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Rest the Chicken**: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. **Garnish**: Serve with a drizzle of piri piri sauce, fresh lemon wedges, and chopped parsley or cilantro.
3. **Pairings**: Enjoy with sides like grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
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By following this detailed guide, you’ll create a mouthwatering grilled chicken piri piri that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!