Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken

Ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken, a healthy twist on the classic Portuguese-inspired dish. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a bold, zesty blend of red bell peppers, fiery red chilies, garlic, smoky paprika, and tangy apple cider vinegar, then grilled to perfection for a smoky char that's irresistibly delicious. Perfectly suited to the Mediterranean diet, this recipe embraces heart-healthy olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic oregano for a wholesome, flavor-packed meal. Serve over crisp mixed salad greens, sprinkled with fresh parsley and brightened with a squeeze of lemon, for a satisfying dish that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and bursting with vibrant flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or grill nights, this effortless recipe is a delightful fusion of spice and freshness that proves healthy eating can be truly indulgent.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

4. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 5

5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Reserve the remaining marinade.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

10. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Piri Piri Chicken as a healthy and flavorful meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(958.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1371.6

Total Fat 88.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 436mg	0%
Sodium 2769.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.0g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 110.4g	0%

Vitamin D 4IU	0%
Calcium 210.1mg	0%
Iron 8.9mg	0%
Potassium 2146.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.0%

Protein: 32.3%

Carbs: 9.7%