Spice up dinner with this flavorful and guilt-free Low Carb Peri-Peri Chicken! Perfectly juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty homemade peri-peri sauce made from red bell pepper, bird's eye chilies, garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs, creating a bold burst of heat and tang with every bite. This easy-to-follow recipe is not only low in carbs but also oven-baked to crispy perfection in just 40 minutes, offering a healthier twist on a classic dish. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a satisfying low-carb meal thatβs sure to impress. Packed with robust peri-peri flavors, this dish delivers the perfect combination of spice, convenience, and nutrition.
1. Begin by preparing the peri-peri sauce. In a blender, combine the red bell pepper, bird's eye chilies, garlic cloves, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
2. Adjust seasoning by adding salt and black pepper. Blend quickly again to incorporate.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or shallow dish. Pour the peri-peri sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
4. Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces onto the prepared baking sheet. Discard any leftover marinade.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy. You may check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165Β°F (75Β°C).
7. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
9. Serve the Peri-Peri Chicken hot, alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete low-carb meal.
Calories |
2230 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 128.4 g | 165% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.4 g | 167% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 846 mg | 282% | |
| Sodium | 3115 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 237.5 g | 475% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.6 mcg | 8% | |
| Calcium | 181 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2742 mg | 58% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.