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homemade portuguese chicken recipe

 

🍗 Homemade Portuguese Chicken Recipe – Spicy, Juicy & Full of Flavor!

Make authentic homemade Portuguese chicken with bold peri-peri flavor! This easy oven-baked or grilled recipe is spicy, juicy, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

🇵🇹 Why You’ll Love This Portuguese Chicken Recipe

Bring the bold and smoky flavors of Portuguese cuisine into your kitchen with this homemade Portuguese chicken recipe. Marinated in a spicy, tangy peri-peri sauce, then baked or grilled to perfection, this chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of Nando’s-style chicken or traditional Portuguese food, this dish will quickly become a favorite!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) or 1.5 kg chicken thighs/drumsticks
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting or grilling)

For the Portuguese Peri-Peri Marinade:

  • 2–3 red chilies (adjust to heat preference)
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Optional: Add a splash of water if marinade is too thick

👨‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a blender or food processor, combine red chilies, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and spices. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Oven Method:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
  • Arrange marinated chicken on a lined baking tray
  • Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once, until golden and fully cooked

Grill Method:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat
  • Grill chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade or oil, until nicely charred and cooked through

Step 4: Serve Hot

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Drizzle with lemon juice or extra peri-peri sauce if desired.

🍽️ What to Serve with Portuguese Chicken

  • Spicy rice or Portuguese-style rice
  • Roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges
  • Mixed greens or cucumber salad
  • Corn on the cob or grilled vegetables
  • A slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices

💡 Tips for the Best Homemade Portuguese Chicken

  • Use skin-on, bone-in chicken for the juiciest results
  • Adjust chili quantity based on your spice tolerance
  • Marinate overnight for bold, deep flavor
  • Serve with extra peri-peri sauce on the side for dipping

❄️ Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Reheat in oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but reduce cooking time to avoid drying out. Thighs or drumsticks are best for moisture and flavor.

Q: Is Portuguese chicken the same as peri-peri chicken?
A: Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken is known for its chili, garlic, lemon, and smoky spice marinade — the terms are often used interchangeably.

Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Absolutely! Use fewer chilies and omit cayenne for a milder version.

📷 Pin, Share & Enjoy!

This homemade Portuguese chicken is spicy, savory, and perfect for grilling season or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Impress your guests or meal prep like a pro with this crowd-pleaser.

📌 Pin this recipe now and tag your kitchen creations with #PortugueseChickenLove!

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