Piri-Piri chicken, characterised by its delicious yet spicy flavour has taken our tastebuds and the world by storm. What used to be reserved for a special treat to Nando’s, a South African food chain inspired by a cultural blend of recipes, can now be found everywhere.
Even fast-food takeaways have shifted away from the traditional breaded fried chicken to grilled Piri-Piri variations and they haven’t stopped at wings, breasts and thighs. You can now grab yourself Piri-Piri wraps and sandwiches, so you are always spoilt for choice.
If that is not enough, you can buy Piri-Piri marinades and sauces to set your tastebuds on fire at home. Check out our recipe below.
But, what’s Piri-Piri’s story? Where did it come from and why do we love this dish so much? Let’s stroll down history lane to see where the road leads.
Piri-Piri Sauce, history and origins
The truth is that Piri-Piri sauce didn’t just spring into existence because of one culture; it took a combined effort from various tribes each bringing something different to the culinary table.
It is believed that the fiery chilli peppers were discovered in South America, the only place they grew at the time. They were collected by the Portuguese empire and taken back to Southern Africa in the 15th or 16th century, particularly Mozambique and Angola.
Cooking with chillis set off a wave of flavourful innovation and a variety of sauces and marinades were born. The traditional Piri-Piri sauce we all love today is believed to be a fusion of Portuguese and Mozambique influences, a combination that has aligned perfectly to bring the two distant cultures together.
Both Portugal, South Africa, and Angola have their own versions of the sauce and these recipes have become widespread across Africa. You can see the cultural links from the names of their recipes because both Piri-Piri and Pilpil relate to the word ‘pepper’.
How Piri-Piri rose to fame
It’s no surprise that Nando’s played a key role in raising the profile of Piri-Piri flavoured chicken. With over 1,000 restaurants worldwide it is hardly shocking that it has become a favoured choice when considering where to eat out.
Chicken restaurants tend to be budget-friendly compared to restaurants with a wider menu or those that serve beef, lamb or pork. After all, Chickens occupy less space, are cheap to feed, and grow to maturity much quicker than their other farm friends, making them a prime choice for diners.
It is also easy to make at home. Below is a simple recipe that will have your tastebuds melting in no time.
It’s all about the spatchcock
Spatchcock chicken also known as butterflied chicken, is what characterises the shape of the chicken as it is spread across your plate whenever you visit a Nando’s venue. Cutting the chicken this way speeds up the cooking time and ensures an even finish on all sides.
You can buy the finest organic spatchcock chicken via our website, so you don’t have to faff about like a butcher with ninja skills. It will be ready to go straight over the grill for a perfect finish every time.
If you want to have a go at making your own Piri-Piri sauce, check out our recipe below. You can also try our marinated meats that are just bursting with flavour. We have a variety of options to choose from so try a few and see what takes your fancy.
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Must read: Don’t Waiver The Flavour: The Art Of Perfectly Seasoned Meat
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Piri-Piri Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 piri-piri chillies (adjust based on desired heat tolerance)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (red wine or white)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spatcock Chicken to cook once the sauce is ready
Instructions:
- Roughly chop the chillies and remove some or all the seeds if you prefer a sauce with a milder heat profile.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Marinade the spatchcock chicken for a couple of hours and grill or roast to your preference.
Final thoughts
Piri-Piri chicken is a testament to the power of culinary exchange. From its humble beginnings in Africa to its global domination, this flavourful dish continues to tantalize taste buds everywhere. There is no need to eat out when you can produce the same result at home with our delicious, organic spatchcock chickens that are filled to the brim with nutrition and flavour.
So, don’t hold back, fire up your grill, whip up some piri-piri sauce, and get ready to experience the fusion of the century.