Mouthwatering Chicken Mozambique

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare with the spicy-savory combination found in Chicken Mozambique. A traditional Mozambican dish, this African-Portuguese fusion delicacy involves marinating chicken in a unique blend of chili peppers and garlic to create a rich, aromatic flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Though the precise origin of Chicken Mozambique is the source of much culinary speculation, one thing is certain: it is a dish beloved by home cooks and professional chefs alike. Drawing on the classic flavors of African cuisine, with a hint of Portuguese influence, this stunningly delicious recipe is simple to make, yet imbues its diners with a flavor journey like none other.

Ingredients

– 3 lbs chicken thighs, trimmed and cubed
– 7 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated
– 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
– 2 teaspoons chili flakes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt, to taste

Method

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the garlic, paprika, chili flakes, oil, vinegar, sugar, and black pepper.

2. Rub the marinade into the cubed chicken pieces, taking care to coat each piece lightly and evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for an hour or two, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

3. When ready to cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, along with the marinade mixture, and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Chicken Mozambique over steamed white rice, with a side salad, for a delicious and tantalizing meal.

If you’re looking to up your exotic-yet-familiar recipe rotation, it’s hard to go wrong with Chicken Mozambique. Infused with the smoky sweet flavors of the African-Portuguese table, this unique dish is sure to delight your guests and make for a memorable culinary experience. And with a marinade this simple, with ingredients many of us have in our own pantry, it’s easier than ever to recreate a complex set of flavors at home. For a similar take, try feijoada or Afro-Caribbean-style jerk chicken for a truly worldly experience.