Delicious & Easy One-Pan Piri-Piri Chicken Recipe (Weight Watchers Friendly!)

Originating from Portugal and deeply rooted in its colonial history, particularly in Africa, Piri-Piri Chicken is a globally celebrated dish renowned for its vibrant, bold, and undeniably spicy flavor profile. This iconic meal typically features succulent chicken marinated in a fiery chili sauce before being grilled or baked to perfection. At the heart of this much-loved culinary creation is the authentic Piri-Piri sauce, a complex blend of roasted red bell peppers, aromatic onions, pungent garlic, and, of course, the namesake intensely spicy Piri-Piri chilies. Our simplified yet incredibly flavorful recipe brings this traditional experience into your kitchen with remarkable ease.

This recipe transforms the classic Piri-Piri experience into a convenient and wholesome one-pan meal. Baked harmoniously alongside a medley of hearty vegetables, including tender baby potatoes, sweet onions, and crisp bell peppers, this dish is as straightforward to prepare as it is bursting with flavor. Designed with health-conscious individuals in mind, this version is a fantastic 2-Point Weight Watchers-friendly option, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. For those seeking more culinary inspiration that aligns with a healthy lifestyle, explore a wide array of delicious Weight Watchers dinner recipes to keep your meal plans exciting and satisfying!

Spicy one pan piri-piri chicken on a plate with potatoes and fresh herbs, ready to be served. — A perfectly cooked, spicy one-pan Piri-Piri chicken dish, garnished and served with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This One-Pan Piri-Piri Chicken

This Piri-Piri Chicken recipe isn’t just another dinner idea; it’s a game-changer for your weeknight meals. Here’s why this flavorful and convenient dish is destined to become a staple in your home:

Unrivaled Customizable Spice: Our Piri-Piri Chicken is a symphony of bold and spicy flavors, offering a tantalizing kick that awakens the palate. However, its true beauty lies in its incredible adaptability. Whether you’re a heat-seeker or prefer a milder touch, this recipe caters to all. You can easily moderate the spice level by substituting the fiery Piri-Piri peppers with milder alternatives like red Fresno chilies, or even sweet red bell peppers for a completely non-spicy version. This flexibility allows you to perfectly control the heat to suit your family’s preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this Portuguese delight, from a traditional fiery explosion to a gentle warmth.
Effortless One-Pan Convenience: For busy home cooks, this recipe is an absolute dream come true. Imagine preparing a complete, balanced meal with minimal fuss and even less cleanup! With all the core components—tender chicken, an array of vibrant vegetables, and the rich, homemade sauce—cooked together in a single baking pan, you’ll drastically reduce the number of dishes to wash. This streamlined approach means less time scrubbing and more time savoring, making it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights or when you simply want a delicious meal without the extensive kitchen work.
Smart & Weight Watchers-Friendly: Indulge in the rich, satisfying flavors of classic Piri-Piri Chicken without any of the guilt. At an impressive 2 Weight Watchers points per serving, this dish offers all the indulgence and robust taste you crave, fitting perfectly into a balanced eating plan. It’s a testament to how flavorful meals can also be incredibly healthy and supportive of your wellness goals. This makes it an absolutely perfect choice for dedicated Weight Watchers members and anyone looking to enjoy delicious food while managing their intake.
Rich, Authentic Flavor: Beyond its heat, the homemade Piri-Piri sauce boasts a depth of flavor from roasted peppers, garlic, and a hint of citrus. This combination creates a rich, tangy, and complex taste that truly elevates the chicken and vegetables.
Nutrient-Packed Meal: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken breasts and a colorful assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and potatoes, this dish offers a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s a complete meal that nourishes your body while delighting your taste buds.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Serves: 4

Serving Size: Approximately 400 g.

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required for access.)

Ingredients You’ll Need for Authentic Piri-Piri Chicken

Crafting this incredible Piri-Piri Chicken begins with selecting fresh, quality ingredients for both the vibrant homemade sauce and the tender chicken and vegetable medley. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so irresistible.

Individual ingredients for homemade Piri-Piri sauce, neatly arranged in separate dishes on a kitchen counter. — All the fresh ingredients laid out for making the Piri-Piri sauce from scratch.

For the Homemade Piri-Piri Sauce:

1 medium red onion (approximately 150 g), roughly chopped
4 Piri-Piri chilies (for intense heat) or substitute with 2 red Fresno chilies for a milder flavor
1 large red bell pepper (about 200 g), halved and seeds removed
2 garlic cloves (approximately 10 g), peeled
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (15 ml), for a zesty kick
1 teaspoon paprika (2 g), for color and smoky undertones
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (1 g), to enhance the heat
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml), for tanginess
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (2 g), adding bright, aromatic notes
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml), for roasting and blending
½ teaspoon salt (2 g), to season

Fresh chicken chunks, baby potatoes, sliced onions, and bell peppers in a large bowl, ready to be coated with sauce. — The main ingredients for the chicken and vegetable bake, prepped and ready for the sauce.

For the Chicken and Roasted Vegetables:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (totaling 800 g), cut into uniform chunks for even cooking
150 g baby potatoes, halved (no need to peel, the skin adds texture and nutrients)
1 large white onion (150 g), sliced into wedges
2 yellow chilies (60 g), sliced (adjust to your preferred heat level)
1 red bell pepper (150 g), cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper (150 g), cut into strips (adding color and sweetness)
2 garlic cloves (10 g), minced
1 cup (240 ml) of the freshly prepared Piri-Piri sauce (from the recipe above)
1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml), for coating the chicken and vegetables
1 teaspoon salt (2 g), to season
½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g), freshly ground for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Piri-Piri Masterpiece

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your delicious and aromatic Piri-Piri Chicken from scratch. Each stage is designed for ease and maximum flavor development.

Step 1: Prepare the Fiery Piri-Piri Sauce

Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for properly roasting the vegetables, which forms the flavor base of your sauce.
Arrange the chopped red onion, Piri-Piri chilies (or Fresno chilies), halved red bell pepper, and peeled garlic cloves evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle them generously with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened considerably and exhibit a slight char, indicating deep flavor development.
Carefully remove the roasted vegetables from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle and prevents heat from affecting the blender’s seals.
Transfer the cooled roasted vegetables into a high-speed blender. Add the fresh lime juice, paprika, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, grated lemon zest, and salt. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a wonderfully smooth and vibrant sauce. For a thicker sauce, use less liquid; for a thinner consistency, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth.
Taste the freshly made sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, a pinch more chili flakes for extra heat, or a dash more lime juice for brightness. Set this potent sauce aside; you will use 1 cup for the chicken and vegetables.

Red bell peppers, onions, garlic, and piri-piri chilies roasting on a baking sheet, part of the sauce preparation. — The vegetables for the Piri-Piri sauce roasting in the oven, developing rich flavors and a slight char.

Blender with roasted vegetables and spices, preparing to make the smooth Piri-Piri sauce. — The blending process, transforming roasted ingredients into a luscious, spicy Piri-Piri sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavorful Chicken and Vegetables

Lower your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for baking the main dish.
In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks, halved baby potatoes, thinly sliced white onion, sliced yellow chilies, vibrant red and yellow bell pepper strips, and the minced garlic. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Pour precisely 1 cup of your freshly prepared Piri-Piri sauce over this magnificent mixture. Use tongs or your hands (wearing gloves if preferred, especially after handling chilies!) to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring every piece of chicken and vegetable is beautifully coated in the spicy sauce. This even coating is key for maximum flavor penetration.
Season the entire mixture generously with the remaining salt and black pepper. Mix again until all ingredients are well combined and seasoned to perfection.

Step 3: Bake the One-Pan Chicken to Perfection

Carefully transfer the marinated chicken and vegetable mixture into a large baking dish. Spread everything out into a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this allows the ingredients to roast rather than steam, leading to better texture and flavor.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step helps to trap moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the potatoes soften properly. Bake for an initial 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to encourage browning and a slight crisp. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C) and the potatoes are tender with a beautiful golden-brown exterior. The vegetables should also have a desirable slight char, adding depth of flavor.

Marinated chicken, potatoes, and bell peppers coated in Piri-Piri sauce, spread evenly in a baking dish, ready for the oven. — The prepared chicken and vegetables, richly coated in Piri-Piri sauce, nestled in a baking dish before cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Your Portuguese Feast

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Garnish your Piri-Piri Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or vibrant lemon wedges, if desired. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fresh, herbaceous or zesty counterpoint to the rich, spicy flavors. Serve this hearty dish hot, perhaps alongside a simple green salad or a cooling dollop of Greek yogurt for a truly complete meal.

Creative Variations and Smart Substitutions

This Piri-Piri Chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand in your pantry. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

Exploring Milder Pepper Options: While Piri-Piri peppers are traditional, their intense heat isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking to dial down the spiciness, cayenne peppers offer a moderate kick, while jalapeños or even banana peppers provide a milder, fruitier heat. For a completely heat-free version, simply use sweet red bell peppers in the sauce, or a combination of sweet and mild spicy peppers to find your perfect balance.
Smart Vegetable Swaps: To make this dish even lighter and potentially a 0-point option for Weight Watchers, consider omitting the potatoes entirely. Instead, you can double up on the bell peppers for more sweetness and crunch, or introduce other fantastic vegetables like tender carrots, vibrant zucchini, earthy mushrooms, or even chunky cauliflower florets. These additions will absorb the delicious sauce and contribute to a more diverse nutrient profile.
Convenience with Store-Bought Sauce: Life gets busy, and sometimes there isn’t enough time for homemade sauce. In such instances, a high-quality store-bought Piri-Piri sauce can be a lifesaver. While it may not replicate the exact nuances of a freshly blended, roasted sauce, it’s an excellent way to significantly simplify the recipe while still delivering a satisfying Piri-Piri flavor. Look for brands with minimal added sugars and natural ingredients for the best results.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Baking offers fantastic convenience, but other methods can bring different dimensions to the dish. Grilling the chicken and vegetables imparts a wonderful smokiness and char, mimicking traditional Portuguese preparation. If you own an air fryer, this appliance can dramatically speed up the cooking process, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly juicy with a crispy exterior, and the vegetables are perfectly tender. For slow cooking, you could adapt the recipe to a slow cooker, letting the flavors meld over hours for a fall-apart tender chicken.
Protein Alternatives: Not a fan of chicken breast? This sauce works beautifully with chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless), which tend to be more forgiving and juicy. You could also try it with pork loin, shrimp (reduce cooking time significantly), or even firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a vegetarian twist.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Piri-Piri Chicken

Elevate your Piri-Piri Chicken from good to extraordinary with these helpful tips and culinary insights:

Maximize Flavor by Roasting Your Sauce Vegetables: The extra step of roasting the red bell peppers, onions, and garlic for the Piri-Piri sauce is non-negotiable for superior flavor. Roasting caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifies their inherent sweetness, and adds a smoky depth that cannot be achieved by simply blending raw ingredients. This foundational step is key to a truly authentic and rich sauce.
Marinate for Deepest Flavor: For an unparalleled depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken and vegetables in the Piri-Piri sauce overnight, or for at least 4 hours. This extended marination period gives all the ingredients ample time to absorb the spicy, tangy, and aromatic goodness of the sauce, resulting in a more tender, flavorful, and uniformly seasoned dish. If time is short, even 30 minutes will make a difference.
Transform into Versatile Fillings: Once cooked, the Piri-Piri Chicken is incredibly versatile. For a quick and easy meal prep idea, shred the cooked chicken and mix it thoroughly with the roasted vegetables and any remaining pan juices. This flavorful mixture makes an excellent filling for wraps, hearty sandwiches, or a vibrant topping for fresh salads. It’s also fantastic in tacos or quesadillas.
Creative Serving Twists: While this dish is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance the dining experience. A simple, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. Other great options include fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up the sauce, a side of cooling Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the heat, or even a classic Portuguese rice pilaf. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Ensure Even Cooking: When arranging the chicken and vegetables in the baking dish, make sure they are spread in a single, even layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing proper browning and caramelization. If necessary, use two baking dishes to give everything enough space.
Broil for Extra Char: If you desire an even crispier skin on the chicken or more char on your vegetables after the initial baking, a quick 2-3 minutes under the broiler at the very end can work wonders. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

The Healthy Aspects of Piri-Piri Chicken

This Piri-Piri Chicken recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that contribute to a healthy diet. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The homemade Piri-Piri sauce, with its base of red bell peppers, onions, and garlic, provides a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins (like Vitamin C from bell peppers), and immune-boosting compounds. Chilies, including Piri-Piri, contain capsaicin, which has been linked to metabolism boosting and pain relief. Combined with a variety of colorful vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil, this one-pan meal offers a balanced nutritional profile, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a truly nourishing choice for your family.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Ideas

Piri-Piri Chicken is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the protein and roasted vegetables. However, you can elevate the dining experience with a few thoughtful additions:

Cooling Sides: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a refreshing raita can provide a delightful contrast to the spicy chicken.
Grain Companions: Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, couscous, or quinoa to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
Fresh Salads: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or a more elaborate cucumber and tomato salad, adds freshness and crunch.
Bread: Warm crusty bread or pita bread is perfect for scooping up the chicken and vegetables.
Beverages: A cold lager, a crisp white wine, or a refreshing sparkling water with lime can complement the meal beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Leftover Piri-Piri Chicken is just as delicious the next day! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the oven for best results: place the chicken and vegetables in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the texture might be slightly softer. For a quick stovetop reheat, gently warm in a pan with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

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Piri-Piri Chicken

Servings: 4

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Spicy one pan piri-piri chicken on a plate with potatoes.

A fiery Portuguese chicken main dish that’s simple to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

▢ For the Piri-Piri Sauce:
▢ · 1 medium red onion, 150 g, chopped
▢ · 4 piri-piri chilies, or substitute with 2 red Fresno chilies for less heat
▢ · 1 large red bell pepper, 200 g, halved and seeded
▢ · 2 garlic cloves, 10 g, peeled
▢ · 1 tablespoon lime juice, 15 ml
▢ · 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 g
▢ · ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, 1 g
▢ · 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 15 ml
▢ · 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, 2 g
▢ · 1 tablespoon olive oil, 15 ml
▢ · ½ teaspoon salt, 2 g
▢ For the Chicken:
▢ · 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (800 g), cut into chunks
▢ · 150 g baby potatoes, halved
▢ · 1 large white onion, 150 g, sliced
▢ · 2 yellow chilies, 60 g, sliced
▢ · 1 red bell pepper, 150 g, cut into strips
▢ · 1 yellow bell pepper, 150 g, cut into strips
▢ · 2 garlic cloves, 10 g, minced
▢ · 1 cup, 240 ml piri-piri sauce (from above recipe)
▢ · 1 tablespoon olive oil, 15 ml
▢ · 1 teaspoon salt, 2 g
▢ · 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 g

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Piri-Piri Sauce
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the red onion, piri-piri chilies, red bell pepper chopped, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and slightly charred.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add lime juice, paprika, chili flakes, apple cider vinegar, grated lemon zest, and salt. Blend until smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken chunks, baby potatoes, sliced onion, yellow chilies, bell pepper strips, and minced garlic.
Pour 1 cup of the prepared piri-piri sauce over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Season with salt and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a large baking dish. Spread everything out in an even layer.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. The vegetables should have a slight char.
Step 4: Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges, if desired. Serve hot with a side salad.

Notes

Just 2 WW Points per serving, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 420g
Calories: 382kcal
Carbohydrates: 19g
Protein: 47g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2.1g
Cholesterol: 146mg
Sodium: 1283mg
Potassium: 991mg
Fiber: 2.7g
Sugar: 4.4g
Calcium: 46mg
Iron: 2.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Portuguese

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