Go Back
–+ servings
Easy Portuguese Chicken

Savory Easy Portuguese Chicken for Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

This Easy Portuguese Chicken recipe delivers vibrant flavors in a simple, oven-baked dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marination Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 quarters
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1 cup Lemon Juice You can substitute with vinegar if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Any neutral oil can work.
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Use smoked paprika for an extra smoky touch.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best.
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Dried oregano can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Adjust according to heat preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Feel free to reduce or omit.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Remove before cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Use freshly ground or pre-ground.
For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Quarters Ensure they are well scored.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Baking Dish
  • Zip Lock Bags
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Marinade: Blend lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, garlic, oregano, salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Score the Chicken: Make deep scores on both sides of the chicken quarters for better marinade penetration.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour two-thirds of the marinade into a zip lock bag with the chicken and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish.
  5. Bake the Chicken: Place chicken skin side down in the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Baste and Continue Baking: Uncover, baste with reserved marinade, cover, and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
  7. Finish Roasting: Uncover again, baste, and roast for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 1quarterCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken overnight and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!