Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken
Elevate your dinner routine with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken recipe, a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly marinated chicken thighs are infused with the bold flavors of smoky paprika, zesty lemon juice, and a kick of heat from red chilies, then grilled to juicy perfection. This recipe showcases fresh and wholesome ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and parsley, aligning beautifully with Mediterranean diet principles. Served over a bed of crisp mixed salad greens and garnished with bright lemon wedges, it's a deliciously spicy yet balanced dish that’s ideal for a light dinner or meal prep. Ready in under an hour, this flavorful chicken dish delivers a stunning blend of smoky, tangy, and spicy notes that will tantalize your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 2 pieces red chili
- 4 pieces garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 whole lemon wedges
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
1. Begin by preparing the Piri Piri marinade: roughly chop the red bell pepper and the red chilies, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped bell pepper, red chilies, garlic cloves, olive oil, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the Piri Piri marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for more flavor.
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade.
6. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks.
7. While grilling, brush the chicken occasionally with a bit of the reserved marinade for extra flavor, but ensure to stop brushing during the last few minutes of cooking to allow the chicken to finish cooking through.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9. Serve the Piri Piri Chicken over a bed of mixed salad greens, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
10. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken as a healthy and flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1372 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.0 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.9 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 436 mg | 145% | |
| Sodium | 2770 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.0 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 110.4 g | 221% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2146 mg | 46% | |
*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.
