Piri-Piri Chicken with Smashed Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

Spice up your dinner with this flavorful and satisfying dish! Tender chicken marinated in a zesty piri-piri sauce, paired with creamy smashed sweet potatoes and vibrant broccoli. A perfect harmony of bold flavors and comforting textures, sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Piri-Piri Chicken:

• 8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 cup piri-piri sauce (or store-bought piri-piri marinade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Smashed Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken thighs and piri-piri sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and prick the sweet potatoes with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Once cooled slightly, peel the skins off and transfer the sweet potato flesh to a large bowl.
4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: While the chicken is baking, mash the sweet potato flesh with butter, milk, salt, and black pepper until desired consistency is reached. Set aside and keep warm.
6. Cook the Broccoli: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and lightly charred. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Serve: Arrange the smashed sweet potatoes and broccoli on a serving platter. Top with the piri-piri chicken. Drizzle any remaining piri-piri sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for extra flavor.

Additional Tips:

• Adjust the amount of piri-piri sauce according to your desired spice level.
• For a crispier chicken skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Nutritional Value: This dish is a nutritious powerhouse, offering a balanced combination of lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the sweet potatoes, and essential vitamins and minerals from the broccoli.