Dinner · Portuguese
Piri-Piri Roast Chicken with Winter Slaw
This whole roast chicken gets a bright, spicy piri-piri rub that soaks in while the oven does the rest. A crunchy beet-and-carrot slaw balances the heat with something cool and fresh. It looks impressive but the hands-on work is almost nothing.

Why you'll love this
- One spicy marinade does all the flavor work.
- The cool, crunchy slaw is the perfect foil for the heat.
- Mostly hands-off oven time.
- A real crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
- Easily dialed up or down on spice.
EveryDayMeal recipe
Piri-Piri Roast Chicken with Winter Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 (about 3 1/4 lb) whole chicken
- 3 red chiles, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (for marinade)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1 beet, peeled and shredded
- 4 cabbage leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (for slaw)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
Equipment
- Small food processor
- Roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Box grater or food processor shredding disc
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- In a small food processor, blend the chiles, garlic, ground ginger, oregano, coriander, paprika, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and oil into a loose paste. It should smell sharp and fragrant.
- Pat the chicken dry, then rub the marinade all over, getting it into every crevice. Let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour so the flavors sink in and the bird roasts more evenly.
- Heat the oven to 375F. Set the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, until the juices run clear and a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165F.
- Tent the chicken loosely with foil and rest for 20 minutes so the juices redistribute and stay in the meat, not on the cutting board.
- While it rests, toss the sliced red onion, shredded carrots, beet, and cabbage with the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and cumin seeds. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the slaw and fries, plus extra hot sauce on the side.
Tips from the kitchen
- Marinate the day before if you can (keep it in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before roasting) for deeper flavor.
- Wear gloves when handling the chiles, or wash your hands well before touching your eyes.
- Shred the beet last and toss quickly so its color doesn't bleed all over the slaw.
Estimated nutrition per serving: 560 cal · 48g protein · 14g carbs · 36g fat
Make it your own
- Use boneless thighs instead of a whole bird and cut roasting time to about 35 minutes.
- Swap the beet for shredded apple for a sweeter, milder slaw.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon to the marinade for extra brightness.
Storing & make-ahead
Store leftover chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a 350F oven until warmed through. Keep slaw cold and eat within 2 days for the best crunch.
Good to know
- How spicy is this?
- Medium-hot with 3 chiles. Remove the seeds for less heat, or add a fourth chile if you like it fiery.
- Can I marinate it longer?
- Yes. Up to 24 hours in the fridge deepens the flavor. Just let the chicken come to room temperature before roasting.
- How do I know the chicken is done?
- A thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh should read 165F, and the juices should run clear.
- Can I make the slaw ahead?
- Toss it up to a few hours ahead, but the dressed slaw softens over time, so it's best the day it's made.
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