Spatchcock piri-piri chicken

Serves 4 Prep 15 mins plus at least 1 hr marinating Cook 35 mins

1 chicken (about 1.5kg) 4 red chillies, chopped (deseeded

if you don’t like it too spicy) 3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tsp sweet paprika 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 2 tbsp chopped parsley 2 tbsp olive oil lemon wedges and Tabasco

(optional), to serve

1 To spatchcock the chicken, flip it over so the backbone is facing you. Using a sturdy pair of kitchen scissors, cut down either side of the backbone, then discard. Turn the chicken over and push down firmly on the breastbone to flatten out the bird. Make a few slashes in each leg joint.

2 Put the chillies and garlic in a food

processor with a pinch of salt. Blend to a paste, then add the paprika, vinegar, parsley and olive oil. Mix well, then smear over the chicken. Leave to marinate for at least 1 hr or overnight, if possible. Can be frozen at this stage.

3 Fire up the barbecue. When the flames have died down, place the chicken on the centre of the barbecue, skin-side down, and cook for 15-20 mins until nicely charred. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 5-15 mins until cooked through. Check that the juices run clear, as the heat of every barbecue will vary. To cook in the oven, heat to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and cook for 35- 40 mins on a baking tray. To char the skin, grill for a further 5-10 mins. Serve with lemon wedges, and Tabasco, if you like. PER SERVING 552 kcals, fat 40g, saturates 10g, carbs 1g, sugars none, fibre none, protein 47g, salt 0.4g