Heart-Healthy Piri Piri Chicken

Elevate your mealtime with this Heart-Healthy Piri Piri Chicken, a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Portuguese-inspired dish. This recipe swaps out heavy oils and fried preparations for baked, boneless skinless chicken breasts marinated in a homemade Piri Piri sauce packed with wholesome ingredients like red bell pepper, garlic, red chili peppers, and heart-smart olive oil. Infused with the bright flavors of paprika, oregano, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfectly baked to tender, juicy perfection and served with a side of warm Piri Piri sauce, this meal pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, low-cholesterol dinner. With only 20 minutes of prep time, it’s an easy, healthy choice that doesn’t skimp on bold, smoky heat and fresh zest.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Red bell pepper
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 small Red chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

In a food processor, combine the red bell pepper, garlic cloves, red chili peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth to create the Piri Piri sauce.

Step 3

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the Piri Piri sauce over them. Ensure each piece is well coated.

Step 4

Cover the dish and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. For a deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.

Step 5

After marinating, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

Step 7

While the chicken is baking, heat a small saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining Piri Piri sauce and heat gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 9

Serve the chicken with the heated Piri Piri sauce on the side, accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, heart-healthy meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	944.4 grams (944.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1494

Total Fat 54.30g	70%
Saturated Fat 11.60g	58%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 1709mg	74%
Total Carbohydrate 19.30g	7%
Dietary Fiber 6.00g	21%
Total Sugars 7.60g
Protein 219.20g	438%

Vitamin D 35IU	174%
Calcium 140mg	11%
Iron 9mg	49%
Potassium 2346mg	50%

*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: 33.9%

Protein: 60.8%

Carbs: 5.4%