Galinha à Malagueta
A spicy and flavorful chicken dish featuring chicken marinated in a piri-piri (malagueta pepper) sauce, then stewed and often finished by grilling or roasting. It's known for its vibrant heat and aromatic blend of garlic, onion, and lemon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken pieces(Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs and drumsticks)
- 5 medium Malagueta peppers (or substitute with serrano or Thai chilies)(seeded and sliced)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(crushed)
- 2 large Onions(1 thinly sliced, 1 roughly chopped)
- 0.33 cup Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 cup Water
- 1 tbsp Butter
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces with salt. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with sliced malagueta peppers, crushed garlic, the roughly chopped onion, lemon juice, and vegetable oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate for at least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator, or preferably overnight.
- 2
Transfer the marinated chicken and all the marinade to a large saucepan or stew pot. Add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add a little more water if it starts to dry out.
- 3
Remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside. Strain the cooking liquid, reserving it. In the same pot, add the remaining thinly sliced onion and the reserved cooking liquid. Add the butter and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 4
While the sauce is reducing, preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (400°F). Grill or roast the chicken pieces for 15-20 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and slightly crispy.
- 5
Return the grilled/roasted chicken pieces to the pot with the thickened sauce. Toss to coat. Serve hot, typically accompanied by white rice or fried plantains.
💡 Tip: Adjust the amount of chilies to your preferred spice level.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- ✓If malagueta peppers are unavailable, serrano or Thai chilies can be used as a substitute.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is well-browned during the grilling/roasting stage for added texture and flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes finish the dish by grilling the chicken over charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor.
- A touch of paprika can be added to the sauce for color and a hint of sweetness.