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Peri Peri Chicken

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time55 mins

Bold, tangy, and spicy flavors, capturing the essence of Mozambique’s culinary traditions!

Peri Peri chicken thighs served with lettuce in a pan

Main Ingredients
 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), spatchcocked or cut into pieces
 7 fresh red bird’s eye chilies (adjust for heat preference)
 4 cloves garlic
 2 tbsp smoked paprika
 1 tbsp lemon zest
 3 tbsp lemon juice
 2 tbsp white vinegar
 ¼ cup olive oil
 1 tsp dried oregano
 1 tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
Directions
1

In a blender or food processor, combine the chilies, garlic, onion, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning or chilies for heat preference.

2

Place the chicken in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.

3

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and reserve the remaining marinade.

4

Grill the chicken skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until charred, then flip and cook for an additional 20–25 minutes, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Cooking Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, roast the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, then broil for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.

5

Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with lemon wedges, a side of rice, or salad.

Notes

Mozambique’s peri-peri chicken, or galinha à zambeziana, is a flavorful and spicy dish marinated in a fiery peri-peri sauce. Grilled to perfection, it’s a must-try recipe!

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size

1

Amount per serving
Calories450
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 28g36%

Saturated Fat 5g25%
Sodium 500mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 6g3%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Includes 2g Added Sugars4%
Protein 40g
Vitamin A 90mcg10%
Vitamin C 18mg20%
Iron 1mg6%

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.