Worst Cooks in America Season 30
Recipe courtesy of Tiffany Derry

Peri Peri Chicken with Pearl Couscous Salad and Brussels Sprouts

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  • Level: Intermediate
  • Total: 2 hr (includes cooling time)
  • Active: 1 hr 20 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
Peri peri chicken is a spicy chicken dish with roots in both Africa and Portugal. The chicken is marinated in a chile pepper sauce and served over a warm couscous salad tossed with a lightly sweetened lemon vinaigrette and charred Brussels sprouts. The spice of the chicken with refreshing lemon and cucumber creates a delicious combo.

Ingredients

Peri Peri Chicken:

Couscous:

Brussels Sprouts:

Directions

  1. For the peri peri chicken: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Add the garlic, Fresno chiles, Thai chiles, bell peppers, habanero and onion to a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  3. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the smoked paprika, salt and cayenne and blend until smooth. While blending, gradually add the red wine vinegar and 2 tablespoons canola oil until the sauce is emulsified and smooth. Pour the sauce into a bowl, reserving 1 1/2 cups sauce separately for plating later.
  4. Preheat a grill pan over high heat and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  5. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss in the remaining tablespoon canola oil. Grill the chicken pieces in batches for 5 minutes on each sides. Then brush with the peri peri sauce and continue to grill, brushing with the sauce and rotating the pieces periodically. Once the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees F and there are slight char and grill marks, about 3 minutes, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
  6. For the couscous: Whisk together the red wine vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic, lemon zest and juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified. Set aside to toss with the couscous when ready.
  7. Heat the canola oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the couscous and toast until lightly golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the couscous is tender, about 10 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water.
  9. Spread the couscous on a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer the cooled couscous to a large bowl and toss with the basil, dill, parsley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, the remaining tablespoon salt and 1/2 cup lemon vinaigrette. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Any leftover vinaigrette can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 week.
  10. For the Brussels sprouts: Add 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Blanch the Brussels sprouts until bright green and tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath for 30 seconds, then drain and set aside.
  11. In a medium sauté pan, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts, black pepper and remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Cook until the Brussels are lightly charred, tossing occasionally, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  12. To serve, slice the two chicken breasts in half on the bias. Spoon the couscous salad on the center of a plate. Add a few Brussels sprouts on top of the couscous. Layer two pieces of chicken, one piece of dark meat and one piece of white meat, on top of the couscous. Finish by drizzling the reserved peri peri sauce around the plate.