Ingredients
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2 small whole Chicken
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light Olive Oil
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Piri Piri Sauce
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3½ oz (100 g) small Red Chillies
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6 Garlic
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1 large Onion
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9 fl oz/1 cup (250 ml) White Vinegar
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1 teaspoon Sea Salt
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1 teaspoon white Sugar
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1 teaspoon ground White Pepper
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½ teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
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2 tablespoons Lime Juice
Directions
We just can’t seem to get enough of fast-food chicken. There has been a huge rise in outlets selling what is loosely termed ‘Portuguese chicken’, the defining element being the inclusion of piri piri sauce as a seasoning or marinade. Piri piri, however, is not confined to Portugal, or indeed fast-food chicken outlets this fiery, addictive concoction is also prevalant throughout Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and South Africa. Pilsener and piri piri: another popular pairing.
Steps
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1
Done
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To make the piri piri sauce, blend the chilli, garlic, onion and half the vinegar in a food processor; it doesn’t need to be too smooth. Pour the sauce into a small saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to the boil. Cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside to cool. |
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2
Done
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Sit the chickens on a chopping board, breast side down, legs and cavity facing you. Using kitchen scissors, cut down one side of the parson’s nose (tail), cutting through the little rib bones attached to the backbone. Now cut the other side of the backbone and reserve it for making stock. Turn the birds over. Firmly press with the palm of your hand on the breastbone to flatten. Make several, deep diagonal slashes across each bird, cutting through the meat to the bone. |
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3
Done
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Rub 2–3 tablespoons piri piri sauce over the skin side of each chicken, and into the cuts (save any remaining sauce for serving). Marinate in the fridge for 3–6 hours, or even overnight. Remove the chicken from the fridge 1 hour before cooking. |
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4
Done
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Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Heat a frying pan over high heat. Add some oil and cook a batch of chicken, skin side down, for 3–4 minutes, or until golden. Transfer to a baking tray and repeat with the remaining chicken. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through; the juices should run clear when skewered between the drumstick and the breast. Serve with any remaining piri piri sauce. |
