Portuguese Grilled Chicken

Name: Portuguese Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs), butterflied or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs/drumsticks; Optional: extra lemon wedges for serving

Posted on May 25, 2025

Grilled Portuguese Chicken with Charred Skin and Lemon Wedges on a Wooden Board

Dinner

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Portuguese Grilled Chicken is the ultimate summer showstopper—juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor! Inspired by traditional Piri Piri chicken, this dish brings a fiery blend of spices and citrusy tang to your backyard grill. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving something different for dinner, this recipe is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying. With a short marinating time and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have a mouthwatering plate of chicken that tastes like it came straight from a Portuguese beachside café.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Portuguese Grilled Chicken recipe is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—or a weekend BBQ hit. It’s spicy, zesty, and packed with smoky flavor, all from a quick marinade and some time on the grill. The best part? It’s easy to make and totally customizable to your spice preference. You’ll love how the chicken gets beautifully charred on the outside while staying tender and juicy on the inside. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh summer salad.

Ingredients

The magic of Portuguese Grilled Chicken starts with a bold, flavorful marinade. You probably have most of these ingredients already in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), butterflied (or 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks)
Optional: extra lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

This recipe is all about bold flavor and simplicity. A quick marinade does all the heavy lifting, then the grill brings it home with a beautiful char and smoky finish. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using a whole chicken, butterfly it by removing the backbone and flattening it. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
Marinate:
Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium-high (around 375–400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).
Rest & Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides!

Servings and Timing

This Portuguese Grilled Chicken is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s hearty, flavorful, and works beautifully as a main dish for almost any occasion.

Servings:

Serves 4–6 people, depending on the cut and portion size.

Timing:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–12 hours (the longer, the better!)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)

Tips and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy tweaks and serving ideas to match your mood, pantry, or spice level:

Tips:

Don’t skip the marinating time—even just 1 hour makes a big difference in flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked perfectly. Aim for 165°F internal temp.
Let it rest after grilling. This keeps the juices inside and the chicken tender.

Variations:

Milder version: Skip or reduce the cayenne if you prefer less heat.
No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan on the stove or roast in the oven at 425°F for 35–40 minutes.
Add a smoky twist: A dash of chipotle powder or a few drops of liquid smoke can deepen the flavor.
Serve it up with: Portuguese rice, grilled corn, crispy potatoes, or even tucked into a pita with slaw.

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you! Portuguese Grilled Chicken stores beautifully and keeps its flavor even after a day or two.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can also freeze it! Wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying it out. For best texture, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work great. Just reduce grill time to avoid overcooking.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?

No worries—use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or bake it in the oven at 425°F.

3. Is this the same as Piri Piri chicken?

It’s a simplified version! Traditional Piri Piri uses African bird’s eye chilis. This recipe is easier and still full of flavor.

4. Can I make this less spicy?

Absolutely. Reduce or skip the cayenne pepper to mellow the heat.

5. How long should I marinate it?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.

6. Can I use a store-bought marinade?

You can, but making it from scratch gives the best fresh flavor—and it’s quick!

7. What sides go well with it?

Try rice, roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a crisp salad.

Conclusion

There you have it—Portuguese Grilled Chicken that’s bold, juicy, and surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re grilling for guests or just jazzing up your weekly dinner rotation, this flavorful recipe delivers every time. With a handful of pantry spices and a quick marinade, you’ll bring the warm, smoky taste of Portugal straight to your table.

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Portuguese Grilled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe