Get ready for a taste adventure with this vibrant and intensely flavorful piri piri chicken recipe! The homemade marinade, bursting with fiery chillies, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon, infuses the chicken with a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for roasting a whole chicken, approximately 2kg in size, resulting in a succulent and beautifully crusted centerpiece for any meal.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes (plus at least 4 hours marinating) Cook time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, about 2kg

For the piri-piri marinade:

  • 2 dried hot chillies
  • 100ml red wine vinegar
  • 6 red chillies
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp golden caster sugar
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • Pinch of salt

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Fiery Piri Piri Marinade

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the dried hot chillies and red wine vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from the heat. Let the chillies soak in the vinegar until it has cooled completely. This step helps to soften the dried chillies and infuse the vinegar with their heat.
  2. Once cooled, transfer the soaked dried chillies and vinegar to a food processor. Add the fresh red chillies and garlic cloves. Blitz until you have a rough paste.
  3. Add the smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, golden caster sugar, a pinch of salt, and the juice of the two lemons to the food processor.
  4. Blitz again until you achieve a smooth and vibrant paste. Set the piri piri marinade aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

  1. Place the whole chicken in a shallow dish large enough to hold it comfortably.
  2. Using a small, sharp knife, make cuts approximately 1cm deep all over the chicken. Be sure to score the chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and even the underside to allow the marinade to penetrate deeply.
  3. Pour the prepared piri piri marinade generously over the chicken. Using your hands, massage the marinade thoroughly into all the cuts and over the entire surface of the chicken, ensuring every part is well coated.
  4. Cover the dish tightly with cling film or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the most intense flavor, marinating the chicken overnight is highly recommended. This allows the spices and chilli to work their magic.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken to Golden Perfection

  1. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/ gas mark 4).
  2. Place the marinated chicken in a roasting tin.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
  4. After 1 hour, increase the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan/ gas mark 7) and continue to cook for a further 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and a beautiful, crispy crust has formed on the outside. The juices should run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a skewer.

Step 4: Rest and Serve Your Delicious Piri Piri Chicken

  1. Once cooked, remove the roasted piri piri chicken from the oven and transfer it to a carving board.
  2. Cover the chicken loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute 1 throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. 
  3. Serve your fiery piri piri chicken with your favorite sides. Homemade wedges or jacket potatoes are classic choices, along with a refreshing coleslaw, buttery corn cobs, and some vibrant chilli & mint peas to complement the spice. Enjoy!