Peri Peri Chicken (Portuguese Style)
A sun-soaked, spice-kissed dish with a bright, garlicky marinade that brings the warmth of Portuguese kitchens to your home, perfect for barbecues or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 whole whole chicken, cut into pieces Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for the best flavor.
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons paprika Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili flakes Adjust to your heat tolerance.
- 2 lemons, juiced
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Make the Peri Peri Marinade
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried oregano, chili flakes, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix vigorously until combined.
- For a smoother texture, pulse everything in a blender for 10–15 seconds.
Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken.
- For best flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Choose Your Cooking Method
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400–425°F / 200–220°C).
- For grilling, cook over direct medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For oven roasting, arrange chicken skin-side up on a wire rack and roast for 35–45 minutes.
- Optional methods include air frying or stovetop to oven, adjusting times as needed.
Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make-ahead options available.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 800mgSugar: 1g
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