Spice up your mealtime with a flavorful adventure courtesy of this Piri-Piri chicken dish. Piri-Piri, also known as Peri-Peri, is a spicy sauce with roots in Portuguese and African cuisines, and it adds a zesty kick to this delightful chicken recipe. Served alongside smashed sweet potatoes and tender broccoli, this dish is a harmonious blend of heat and comfort that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Piri-Piri Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Piri-Piri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
For the Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper
For the Broccoli:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Piri-Piri Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can also use a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper.
- Brush the chicken thighs generously with Piri-Piri sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
- Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and set it aside.
Making the Smashed Sweet Potatoes:
- While the chicken is grilling, boil the sweet potato cubes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potatoes.
- Mash everything together until the sweet potatoes are creamy and well-seasoned.
Preparing the Broccoli:
- In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned broccoli. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Serving:
- Plate your spicy Piri-Piri chicken alongside the smashed sweet potatoes and sautéed broccoli.
- Optionally, serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Conclusion
This Piri-Piri chicken dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss. The spicy Piri-Piri sauce adds an exciting dimension to succulent chicken thighs, while the creamy smashed sweet potatoes and tender broccoli provide the perfect balance. Whether enjoyed with family or friends, this meal is a celebration of bold and comforting tastes that will leave everyone satisfied and eager for seconds. Spice up your dinner routine with this delightful recipe, and savor the delicious fusion of flavors it brings to your table.