Spicy Piri Piri Chicken

Chicken Piri Piri is a recipe that is marinated in a Piri Piri sauce and typically contains African bird's-eye chili, which can be difficult to find in the United States. If you're looking for a replacement, Fresno chiles work perfectly; they give off a fruity vibe while not being too spicy. You are more than welcome to experiment with different types of fresh chili peppers, just keep in mind to change the quantity depending on how hot each pepper is. 

What is Piri Piri Chicken?
Piri Piri Chicken is a spicy and flavorful dish with roots in both Africa and Portugal. It was created in Angola and Mozambique during the Portuguese colonization. The dish is known for its spicy, tangy flavor profile, which comes from the Piri Piri chili pepper sauce it's marinated in. This marinade often includes other ingredients such as garlic, lemon, and herbs.

The chicken is typically either grilled or roasted, resulting in a dish that's juicy on the inside with a slightly charred and crispy exterior. Variations of the dish can be found worldwide, and it's particularly popular in the UK due to the restaurant chain Nando's.

INGREDIENTS FOR PIRI PIRI CHICKEN 

• 1 whole chicken, about 5 pounds 
• 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 Fresno chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 1" piece fresh ginger
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1 tbsp. agave
• 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• Zest and juice of 2 limes

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PIRI PIRI CHICKEN 

INSTRUCTIONS TO SPATCHCOCK THE CHICKEN

1. Place the chicken breast side down on a cutting board. With one hand, grab the chicken firmly to keep it in place. Using kitchen shears, start from the tail and cut downwards until you reach the neck. You may need to use both hands at some parts because of how thick it is. Cut along the other side of the backbone and remove it completely.
2. Place your chicken so the breast side is facing up. Place the palm of your hand on top of the breasts and press down until it lies flat. Your chicken is now spatchcocked.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PIRI PIRI SAUCE

1. Add the following ingredients to a blender: olive oil, Fresno chiles, garlic, ginger, paprika, agave nectar or syrup, salt, and pepper to taste, and lime juice with zest. Once everything is combined, blend until the mixture becomes smooth.
2. Put around 1 cup of the sauce into a small bowl, cover it, and put it in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHICKEN

1. Add chicken to a large bowl and cover with piri piri sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Let sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight. One hour before cooking, take the chicken out of the fridge so it can reach room temperature.
2. If using a gas grill, set half the knobs to medium-high heat. For charcoal grills, even light the charcoal and place it over one side of unlit coals. Cover the grill and preheat for 10 minutes before cooking your food.
3. Place the oiled grates over the cooler side of the grill (where there is no heat or charcoal) and then put chicken skin-side up on top of them. Cover grill and cook for 50 minutes, until thigh juices are clear or a thermometer registers as 165° when inserted into the thigh.
4. Gently place chicken skin-side down onto the hot side of the grill (where the burner is on/there is charcoal). Cook for 5 minutes or until crisp.
5. Use a platter to transfer the meat, and make sure the skin is facing upwards. Let it rest for 10 minutes so you can easily slice it later. Be sure to sauce with piri piri before serving!

Tips for cooking Piri Piri Chicken
Cooking Piri Piri Chicken can be a delightful culinary experience. Here are some tips to help you:

• Marinate the Chicken: For full flavor, marinate the chicken for at least a few hours, preferably overnight. This lets the spicy, tangy flavors of the Piri Piri sauce fully penetrate the chicken.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chilies, garlic, and herbs in your Piri Piri sauce will give the most vibrant and flavorful results.
• Control the Spice Level: Adjust the number of Piri Piri chilies to your liking. Remember, they are quite spicy, so use fewer if you prefer a milder heat.
• Baste During Cooking: Baste the chicken with additional Piri Piri sauce during cooking. This helps to keep the chicken moist and infuses it with even more flavor.
• Grill or Roast: Piri Piri chicken is traditionally grilled over coals for a smoky flavor, but roasting in the oven is also a great option. Whichever method you choose, ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps to seal in the juices and makes the chicken more tender.
• Serve with Sides: Piri Piri Chicken pairs well with sides like rice, fries, or salad. You could also serve it with bread to mop up any extra sauce.

What meat can I use instead of chicken in Piri Piri Chicken?
If you're looking for an alternative to chicken in a Piri Piri dish, there are several options that can still provide a similar texture and take on the flavors of the marinade well:

• Plant-Based Chicken Alternatives: There are many brands on the market that offer plant-based 'chicken' products, which can be used as a direct substitute. Nando's even has their own version named "The Great Imitator".
• Seitan: This is a popular meat substitute made from gluten, the main protein in wheat. It has a similar texture to chicken and absorbs flavors well.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Both of these soy products can be marinated and grilled or roasted much like chicken. They're a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
• Portobello Mushrooms: These large, flat mushrooms can be marinated and grilled, and their meaty texture makes them a good substitute for chicken.
• Cauliflower: Roasting or grilling marinated cauliflower florets or steaks can provide a unique twist on Piri Piri 'chicken'.

Make sure to adjust cooking times as needed, since these alternatives may not require as much time to cook as chicken.
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