Portuguese Chicken

Succulent, flavorful, and irresistibly aromatic, Portuguese Chicken is a show-stopping roasted chicken recipe that combines the rich, smoky notes of paprika with zesty garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a touch of spice from red chili flakes. Perfectly balanced with savory cumin and a luscious olive oil marinade, this dish guarantees juicy, tender meat and a golden, crispy skin. For an extra kick, optional peri-peri sauce adds bold heat, while roasted potatoes make for the ultimate side dish, soaking up all the savory drippings. Ready in just over 90 minutes, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Garnished with fresh parsley, Portuguese Chicken is as visually stunning as it is delicious—truly a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 84/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:75 mins

Total Time:95 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 piece (about 1.5 kg) Whole chicken
• 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
• 4 pieces (minced) Garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons Peri-peri sauce (optional)
• 500 grams (quartered) Potatoes (optional, for roasting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Clean the whole chicken by patting it dry with paper towels. If desired, butterfly the chicken by cutting along the backbone and flattening it for even cooking.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red chili flakes, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade paste.

Step 4

Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to coat both the outside and the inside. For more flavor, work the marinade under the skin without tearing it.

Step 5

If using peri-peri sauce, brush it onto the chicken for an extra kick of spice.

Step 6

If preparing potatoes, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Arrange them at the bottom of a roasting tray.

Step 7

Place the chicken in a roasting tray on a rack, skin-side up. If adding potatoes, place the chicken directly above them to allow the juices to flavor the potatoes.

Step 8

Roast the chicken in the oven for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the chicken, and the juices run clear.

Step 9

Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through roasting for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 10

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This ensures the juices remain in the meat.

Step 11

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside the roasted potatoes or your desired sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(76664.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	55709.2

Total Fat 107.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 112.5mg	0%
Sodium 6985.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 13021.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1107.4g	0%
Total Sugars 604.7g
Protein 1482.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 5623.8mg	0%
Iron 407.7mg	0%
Potassium 310924.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 1.6%

Protein: 10.1%

Carbs: 88.3%