Chicken Mozambique Peri-Peri
Juicy chicken infused with smoky peri-peri chili, garlic, and herbs, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors with a hint of spice and zest. Ideal for lively dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. skinless, deboned chicken ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 small red onion, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 to 2 tsp. peri-peri chili paste
- 2 medium tomatoes, minced or pureed with skins ⓘ
- 1 tsp. lemon thyme or 1/2 tsp. thyme plus 1/2 tsp. lemon zest ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
Instructions
- Place cut-up chicken in a bowl.
- Mix the chicken with ground cumin and lemon juice.
- Heat peanut oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced red onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and peri-peri chili paste; cook for 1 minute.
- Add minced or pureed tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with lemon thyme or thyme plus lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken stock or water and bring to a simmer.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, adjust the amount of peri-peri chili paste to suit your heat preference. You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. If you don't have lemon thyme, regular thyme with added lemon zest works well. Serve with rice or crusty bread to absorb the flavorful sauce. For a refreshing side, consider a crisp salad or steamed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Mozambique over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with a light salad or steamed vegetables. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken In White Wine And Cognac, offering a delightful contrast in flavors. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken Mozambique in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Mozambique Peri-Peri contains roughly 906 calories, with 49g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (124% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 659mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender. The bones will also add more flavor to the sauce as it simmers.
What can I substitute for peri-peri chili paste?
If you can't find peri-peri chili paste, you can use sriracha or a blend of cayenne pepper and vinegar for a similar heat and tang. Adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Follow the same cooking instructions, but adjust the cooking time as needed for the substitute.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).