Piri-Piri Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
Introduction
This Piri-piri chicken with smashed sweet potatoes and broccoli is a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week. Roasted together in one pan, the juicy chicken and tender vegetables create a deliciously spicy and comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 900g), peeled and cut into large chunks
- Oil, for drizzling
- 6-8 chicken thighs, skin left on
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 25g sachet piri-piri spice mix (or a mild version, if preferred)
- 300g long-stem broccoli
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4. Toss the sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of oil and some seasoning, then place them at one end of a very large roasting tin.
- Step 2: At the other end of the tin, combine the chicken thighs, red onion wedges, piri-piri spice mix, a drizzle of oil, and seasoning. Roast everything for 40 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Step 3: Add the broccoli to the tin, drizzle with a little oil, season, and roast for an additional 10–15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken, onions, and broccoli from the roasting tin. Roughly mash the sweet potatoes with a fork, mixing in the flavorful chicken juices and spices from the pan.
- Step 5: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the base of the tin, then arrange the broccoli, chicken, and onions on top. Serve straight from the tin in the center of the table for a casual, family-style meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a milder version, use a mild piri-piri spice mix or reduce the amount added.
- You can swap broccoli for tenderstem or green beans if preferred.
- Using chicken thighs with skin adds extra flavor and keeps the meat juicy during roasting.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for brightness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. The mashed sweet potatoes may thicken after refrigeration; add a splash of water or stock to loosen when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. Reduce roasting time and watch carefully to keep them juicy. You might also want to marinate them beforehand for extra moisture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have piri-piri spice?
Mix smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of dried oregano to create a similar spicy flavor profile. Adjust the heat level to taste.
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Piri-Piri Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and vibrant Piri-piri chicken served with smashed sweet potatoes and tender roasted broccoli. This one-pan roasted dish combines spicy, smoky chicken with sweet and creamy potatoes, making a perfect hearty meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 900g), peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 300g long-stem broccoli
Proteins & Spices
- 6–8 chicken thighs, skin left on
- 25g sachet piri-piri spice mix (or a mild version, if preferred)
Others
- Oil, for drizzling
- Seasoning (salt and pepper) to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan)/gas mark 4 to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Toss the peeled, chunked sweet potatoes with a generous drizzle of oil and seasoning. Place them to one side of a very large roasting tin.
- Prepare the chicken and onions: In the other side of the tin, toss the chicken thighs with the red onion wedges, piri-piri spice mix, a drizzle of oil, and seasoning.
- Roast first phase: Place the tin in the oven and roast for 40 minutes, stirring everything halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add broccoli and continue roasting: Add the broccoli to the tin, drizzle a little more oil over it, season, and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until broccoli is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Scoop and mash the sweet potatoes: Remove chicken, onions, and broccoli from the tin. Roughly mash the sweet potatoes in the tin using a fork, incorporating all the flavorful chicken juices and spices left in the pan.
- Assemble and serve: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes over the base of the tin, then top with the broccoli, chicken, and onions. Serve the dish directly from the tin in the middle of the table for a rustic, communal experience.
Notes
- You can adjust the piri-piri spice mix to control the level of heat to your preference.
- Using chicken thighs with skin on ensures juicy meat and crispy texture.
- If you want a milder dish, choose a mild piri-piri spice or reduce the quantity.
- Make sure to stir halfway through roasting for even cooking of all ingredients.
- This recipe makes for a great one-pan meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Portuguese-inspired
Keywords: piri-piri chicken, roasted chicken, smashed sweet potatoes, broccoli, one-pan dinner, spicy chicken, healthy roast dinner
