The other day I was looking for something Mediterranean to make for dinner. I wanted something warm and sunny on my plate to diffuse the cold wind rattling our windows. I searched online for about 2 seconds before I found this Portuguese chicken recipe by Jamie Oliver. And the next time you want something simple to make you happy, try this. It's simple to make, and it's spicy, sweet and citrusey. That's a lot to ask of a chicken dish, but this one shoulders the burden admirably.

Grilled chicken with piri piri sauce, take me away.

Portuguese Chicken with Piri Piri Sauce (Based on Jamie Oliver's recipe)

4 large chicken thighs

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

1 yellow pepper

1 orange or red pepper

1 small onion

1 tablespoon of paprika

4 tablespoons of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of white vinegar

1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup of parsley

1/2 cup of basil

2 Thai chilies, tops cut off

1 plum tomato, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Slash the chicken skin a few times with a knife, then brush the chicken with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken skin side down until it's golden brown. Turn the chicken over and cook for 5-6 minutes. Place the chicken in a baking pan. Cut the bell peppers into strips, and place them in a resealable plastic bag with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a squirt of lemon juice. Make sure all of the peppers are covered in the marinade, then grill them for a couple of minutes on one side and then flip them. While the peppers are grilling, combine the rest of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pour into the pan with the chicken and nestle the peppers on top. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken thighs register 165 degrees.

Serves 4.

Photo by Launie Kettler