Sugar-Free Piri Piri Chicken

Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this Sugar-Free Piri Piri Chicken recipe—a healthier twist on the classic Portuguese favorite! Marinated in a vibrant, homemade piri piri sauce made from fresh red bell peppers, fiery chili peppers, smoked paprika, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dish packs bold, smoky flavors without any added sugar. The chicken legs are oven-roasted to perfection, with crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat in every bite. Perfect for a high-impact dinner that’s low on guilt, this quick-to-prep recipe is also ideal for meal prep or entertaining guests. Garnished with fresh parsley and best served alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, this sugar-free delight is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavor-packed, wholesome meal. Keywords: sugar-free chicken recipe, Piri Piri chicken, healthy dinner ideas, Portuguese-inspired recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 2 medium red chili peppers
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a blender or food processor, combine the red bell pepper, red chili peppers, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.

Step 3

Puree the ingredients until well combined and smooth to form the Piri Piri marinade.

Step 4

Place the chicken legs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour over the marinade.

Step 5

Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for a more intense flavor.

Step 6

Place the marinated chicken legs in a baking dish, ensuring they are skin side up and well spaced apart.

Step 7

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy and slightly charred.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 9

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Step 10

Serve hot with your choice of sides like a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(867.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1189.1

Total Fat 81.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 453.5mg	0%
Sodium 1647.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 22.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.1g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 88.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 135.9mg	0%
Iron 7.7mg	0%
Potassium 1576.7mg	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: 62.3%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 7.7%