Introduction – What Makes Portuguese Chicken So Special?
Portuguese chicken isn’t your average roast — it’s spicy, smoky, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean heat.
Thanks to the legendary piri piri sauce (made with chili, garlic, and herbs), this dish has gained worldwide fame — from Portugal’s kitchens to South African grills.
Whether you’re serving it whole, in quarters, or shredded in wraps, Portuguese chicken is fiery, flavorful, and unforgettable.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into quarters or use boneless thighs/breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Piri Piri Marinade:
- 2 red chili peppers (fresh or dried)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
👨🍳 How to Make Authentic Portuguese Chicken
🔹 Step 1: Blend the Marinade
In a blender, add chili peppers, garlic, paprika, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, salt, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
🔹 Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag. Pour marinade over it and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
🔹 Step 3: Grill or Bake
Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through.
Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, basting with leftover marinade.
🔹 Step 4: Serve Hot
Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve with lemon wedges, grilled veggies, or rice.
🍴 What to Serve with Portuguese Chicken
- 🍚 Cilantro rice or peri peri rice
- 🥗 Simple green salad or cucumber yogurt salad
- 🫓 Warm pita or garlic bread
- 🧄 Grilled corn, sweet potatoes, or roasted peppers
💡 Tips & Variations
- Don’t skip the marination time — that’s where all the flavor comes from
- Adjust chili based on spice level preference
- Use boneless chicken thighs for quicker cooking
- Double the sauce and save some for dipping!
❓ FAQ – Portuguese Chicken
Q: What’s the difference between Portuguese chicken and regular grilled chicken?
The marinade! Piri piri gives it a distinct spicy, smoky Mediterranean flavor.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, remove chili seeds or reduce the quantity. It still tastes great.
Q: Can I use store-bought piri piri sauce?
Yes — just check the ingredient label for clean, fresh ingredients.
