CookSnap is coming soon — Join the waitlist →

15-Min Piri Piri Chicken

Spicy, smoky Portuguese chicken seared until charred and basted with a fiery garlic-chili oil. Restaurant flavor in one skillet, ready in 15 minutes.

Total time
15 min
Servings
2
Calories
420
Protein
38g
15-Min Piri Piri Chicken
boldsatisfyingportuguesechickencrispyjuicyweeknightdate-night

Ingredients

  • 2 whole (or 2 tbsp jarred) red chili peppers (fresh or jarred roasted)
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
  • 4 pieces (about 1.5 lbs) chicken thighs or breast, skin-on if possible
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Roughly chop chilis and garlic, then pulse in a blender or mini food processor with olive oil and lemon juice until a thick paste forms.

  2. 2

    Pat chicken dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it shimmers, about 90 seconds.

  4. 4

    Lay chicken skin-side down in the skillet without moving for 4 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.

  5. 5

    Flip and cook skin-side up for 2 more minutes, then brush generously with piri piri paste.

  6. 6

    Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 3 more minutes until chicken is cooked through but still juicy.

  7. 7

    Serve hot with extra piri piri oil drizzled on top.

Tools you’ll need

  • large skillet (12-inch cast iron or stainless steel)
  • blender or food processor
  • paper towels

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.