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Piri Piri Chicken

Servings 6 servings
Prep Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch green onions sliced, green and white parts separated
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 leaves basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons L&B Piri Piri Seasoning divided (or use 1 tablespoon smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon cayenne)
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 lemon halved and juiced
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs or combo
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

Instructions

  1. Make your piri piri sauce by combining white parts of the green onions, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper, 1 tablespoon L&B Piri Piri Seasoning, jalapeño and olive oil in a food processor or blender and process to a coarse-sauce consistency (think tartar sauce). Set aside. 

  2. In a large mixing bowl, pour lemon juice over the chicken, season with ½ teaspoon of L&B Piri Piri Seasoning, sea salt and white pepper. Generously coat the chicken with piri piri sauce and marinate in the refrigerator for 3 hours or up to overnight. 

  3. Cook the chicken on a 400 F grill, having first applied a thin coating of oil or non-stick spray to the grates. Space the chicken pieces on the grill so they are not touching each other and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the pieces ¼ turn to create classic grill marks and cook for another 2 minutes. Turn the chicken over and repeat the process, cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. (This recipe for Piri Piri Chicken is best when grilled, but it can also be baked or pan-seared with great results.)

Recipe Notes

FoodE Expert Note: Piri Piri Chicken is traditionally made in Africa and Portugal and served with rice or very simple salads of lettuce, tomato and red onion. We love it with couscous, quinoa and in whole grain wraps.