Portuguese Chicken Piri Piri

Last night was our Bon Appetit dinner with the Cooks. Valene served an amazing Portuguese meal- April's spring salad, Bocci rolls, roasted vegetables and French Onion Rice Medley- then this Portuguese Chicken Piri Piri (pronounced Pedi-Pedi). Truly, I can't wait to make it. I would be happy eating this at every meal. The most AMAZING chicken ever. It's one you need to plan ahead for....the chicken marinades all night, then it is grilled- and served with a glaze. You couldn't find a finer dish at any restaurant. It's truly that good.

 

Portuguese  Chicken Piri Piri

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (slightly pounded to 3/4 inch thickness to make for more even cooking)

Marinade:

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, stems removed

2 shallots, peeled and quartered

6 garlic cloves

1 cup Frank's red Hot Original Sauce

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

2 tsp. kosher salt

1 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Glaze:

6 T. butter

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce

Juice of 1/2 lemon

In a small saucepan, melt butter over med-high heat. Add the rest of glaze ingredients. Simmer until reduced a little. Set aside to pour over grilled chicken.

In a food processor, finely chop cilantro, shallots and garlic. Add hot pepper sauce, olive oil and lemon, salt and pepper. Blend well.

Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated- top and bottom. cover with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.

Make sure your grill is clean and oiled so chicken doesn't stick.

To grill, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Arrange chicken on grill and cover with lid. Turn often. Grill chicken until browned. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer comes to 160 degrees in the center.

Remove chicken from grill and place on platter. Let rest 5 minutes, then pour glaze over and serve.

 

(original recipe from Laura Muir- Muir Copper Canyon Farms)