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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Spicy Sicilian Devil’s Chicken

Spicy Sicilian Devil’s Chicken

📖 What is it

Discover how to make the mouthwatering Pollo alla Diavola — a fiery, flavour-packed chicken dish that’s perfect for any gathering.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 1 hour
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
moderate
💰 moderate
🗓️ all year round
4.5/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1.5 kg free-range chicken
  • chilli (to taste)
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • roasting herbs

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
250 kcal
Protein
20 g
Fat
18 g
Carbohydrates
1 g
Fiber
0 g
Sugars
0 g
Sodium
1.5 g

Pollo alla Diavola is a bold and spicy classic that captures the heart of Sicilian cooking. Named for its devilish kick from chilli, it combines the richness of extra virgin olive oil with fragrant roasting herbs to create a truly unforgettable taste sensation. Ideal for a balmy summer evening outdoors or as the star of a Sunday lunch, this dish celebrates strong, vibrant flavours. The recipe has been lovingly shared by Giuseppe Rizzo, who takes you through each step of preparing this irresistible main course.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Give the chicken a good rinse and remove any stray feathers.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken dry and make a cut along the breast or back, ideally down the breastbone to help it brown beautifully.

  3. 3

    Press down gently to flatten the bird and rub salt all over the surface.

  4. 4

    Mix the olive oil with chilli and your favourite roasting herbs, then smear this aromatic blend over the chicken.

  5. 5

    Place the chicken in a large pan, skin side down, cover with a lid and weigh it down.

  6. 6

    Cook for about 5 minutes, then turn the chicken over to brown the other side. Repeat this process 4 or 5 times until cooked through.

  7. 7

    Serve your devil’s chicken piping hot and ready to enjoy.

💡 Tips and Variations

If you prefer a milder touch, simply reduce the chilli or swap it for sweet paprika. A few thin slices of lemon can also add a lovely fresh note to the dish.

📦 Storage

  • Keep any leftover chicken stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven to keep the meat tender and juicy.
  • Cooked chicken freezes well for up to 1 month if sealed properly in an airtight container.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this devilishly good chicken with a glass of Contea di Sclafani red novello — a wine that's both harmonious and well-structured, perfectly complementing the bold flavours.

Do give this fiery Pollo alla Diavola a whirl at home — it’s a fantastic dish to share around the table, sparking warmth and conversation. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed summer evening with friends or a cosy Sunday roast, this recipe promises to bring a little slice of Sicily straight to your dining room. Do let me know how you get on — and don’t forget to tuck in with good company!

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