Rica-Rica Chicken

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1.1 lb) chicken, cut into pieces
• 10 red chilies, deseeded and chopped 10 red chilies, deseeded and chopped
• 4 shallots, finely chopped 4 shallots, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-inch piece of ginger, grated 2-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped 2 stalks of lemongrass, white part only, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a blender or food processor, combine the red chilies, shallots, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, vegetable oil, lime juice, salt, and sugar. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with the spice paste, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces until they are cooked through and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. 4.
   Serve the Rica-Rica Chicken with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Red chilies — Adjust the number of chilies according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, remove the seeds before using.
• Lemongrass — Use only the white part of the lemongrass stalk as the green part can be tough and fibrous.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few bird's eye chilies to the spice paste.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, reserve some of the spice paste and cook it with a little oil before pouring it over the grilled chicken.
• Serve the Rica-Rica Chicken with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added tanginess.

Serving advice

Garnish the Rica-Rica Chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve it with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled chicken pieces on a platter, drizzle some of the spice paste over them, and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro leaves for an enticing presentation.