Soy-Free Piri Piri Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Soy-Free Piri Piri Chicken, a fiery and flavorful twist on the classic Portuguese dish. Marinated in a zesty blend of red chili peppers, smoked paprika, garlic, and tangy lemon juice, this recipe delivers bold, smoky heat without a trace of soy. The whole chicken is butterflied to ensure even cooking and infused with layers of spice both under and over the skin, creating a crispy, golden-brown finish. Bay leaves tucked beneath the chicken during roasting add a subtle herbal aroma, while basting with extra marinade keeps it succulent to the last bite. Quick to prep in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a family feast or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a vibrant, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 approximately 3-4 pounds Whole chicken
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 small, preferably bird's eye Red chili peppers
• 6 large Garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 2 whole Bay leaves

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

To prepare the Piri Piri marinade, blend red chili peppers, garlic cloves, olive oil, smoked paprika, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano in a food processor until smooth.

Step 3

Clean and pat dry the whole chicken using paper towels. Ensure it is as dry as possible to allow the skin to get crispy during cooking.

Step 4

Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone using kitchen shears. Place the chicken breast-side up and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.

Step 5

Separate a third of the Piri Piri marinade and set it aside for basting. Rub the remaining marinade all over the chicken, ensuring a generous coating. Lift the skin where possible and rub the marinade underneath for intensified flavor.

Step 6

Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Insert the bay leaves under the chicken for added aroma during roasting.

Step 7

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade and continue to roast for an additional 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

Step 9

Carve the chicken and serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1588.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	808.8

Total Fat 68.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.3g
Cholesterol 102.1mg	0%
Sodium 4850.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.3g	0%
Total Sugars 3.8g
Protein 30.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 125.3mg	0%
Iron 4.9mg	0%
Potassium 805.7mg	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: 73.9%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 11.5%