Description
Succulent Portuguese grilled chicken brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table with a zesty marinade that infuses juicy meat with bold spices. Guaranteed to become a family favorite, this simple yet delicious recipe delivers authentic Portuguese taste in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
Marinade Base:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup white vinegar
Seasonings:
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
Instructions
- Butterfly your chicken by removing the backbone with kitchen shears. Press firmly to flatten the entire bird. Pat the surface completely dry using paper towels.
- Whisk ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne, 1 tablespoon chopped oregano, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and ¼ cup white vinegar in a large mixing bowl.
- Massage the entire marinade thoroughly into every surface of your chicken. Ensure complete and even coating.
- Refrigerate the marinated chicken for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably overnight for deeper flavor development.
- Heat your grill to 400°F with medium-high direct flame. Position the chicken skin-side down for 10-12 minutes.
- Carefully flip the chicken. Continue grilling for an additional 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches precisely 165°F.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- Slice the chicken into serving portions. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top before presenting.
Notes
- Create an even butterfly cut by using sharp kitchen shears to remove the backbone, allowing the chicken to lay flat for consistent cooking.
- Let the marinade work its magic by giving enough time for the flavors to penetrate deeply, with overnight marinating delivering the most robust taste profile.
- Ensure food safety by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a reliable meat thermometer, which guarantees perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
- When grilling, watch for flare-ups and move the chicken to indirect heat if the skin starts burning, maintaining a golden-brown exterior without charring.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-32 minutes (grilling) or 40-45 minutes (roasting)
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg