Piri Piri Chicken

This recipe is inspired by my recent trip to Portugal.  This recipe is easy to make and it tastes so good – increase the spice to suit your taste!

Serves 4

Prep time:  10 minutes plus marinating time

Cooking time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the marinade

1 red chilli, deseeded

2 garlic cloves, peeled

2 lemons, juice only

1tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp chilli flakes (more if desired)

1 tbsp ginger puree

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp caster sugar

For the chicken

1 kg chicken thighs

20g butter, melted

1 lemon, juice only

Handful fresh coriander, chopped

Method

1.    Blitz the marinade ingredients in a food processor.  Season to taste and add more chilli if you prefer more heat.

2.    Place the chicken thighs in a freezer bag and pour in the marinade, massage into the chicken, close the bag and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour.

3.    Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas mark 7.  Put the chicken on a baking tray and reserve any remaining marinade.  Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.  Decrease the heat of the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas mark 6 and cook for a further 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

4.    Remove from the oven and allow to rest.  Mix the remaining marinade with the melted butter, juice of 1 lemon and the chopped coriander.  Brush the buttery mixture over the chicken and serve with your desired sides, enjoy!