This Homemade Portuguese Chicken features juicy bone-in chicken legs marinated in a zesty, flavorful blend of spices, olive oil, and garlic. The chicken is baked to perfection, giving you a comforting and delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare. Marinating the chicken overnight in the flavorful sauce ensures the meat is tender, moist, and infused with all the delicious seasonings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon oregano

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for seasoning)

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 bone-in chicken legs (skin-on)

Directions:

1. Make the Marinade:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, sea salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Use a knife to score the chicken legs a few times, then place them in a resealable plastic bag or large bowl. Pour about 1/3 cup of the sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat the meat. Add extra sea salt to taste. Seal the bag or cover the bowl, and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Set aside the remaining sauce for basting.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Bake the Chicken:

   • Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, discarding any excess marinade. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

   • Turn the chicken over, baste with the reserved sauce, and cover with foil again. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes.

   • Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve:

   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with rice or vegetables!

Nutritional Value (per serving):

Estimated per serving (1 chicken leg with sauce):

• Calories: 290–320 kcal

• Total Fat: 21g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Protein: 22g

• Carbohydrates: 4g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 600–700mg

• Cholesterol: 70mg

This Portuguese Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. Enjoy the comforting flavors of garlic, paprika, and olive oil that infuse the chicken!

The Appeal of Portuguese Chicken

Portuguese Chicken brings together a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for anyone who enjoys bold, vibrant meals. The marination process is the star of this recipe, allowing the chicken to absorb the rich seasoning mixture, which consists of garlic, paprika, oregano, chili powder, and lemon juice. These ingredients meld together to create a sauce that coats the chicken with flavor while also helping to tenderize the meat. The combination of olive oil and lemon juice ensures that the chicken is both moist and flavorful, while the paprika and chili powder give it an earthy warmth, and the red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.

By baking the marinated chicken, you allow the seasoning to penetrate deep into the meat, while the skin crisps up and adds a satisfying texture. The result is a golden, juicy chicken leg with layers of bold flavor and an irresistible aroma.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

The ingredients used in this recipe are simple but pack a lot of flavor. Here’s a breakdown of each element and how it contributes to the dish:

• Lemon Juice: Adds acidity to balance the richness of the olive oil, and its tangy flavor helps tenderize the chicken.

• Olive Oil: A key fat that contributes to the moistness and helps carry the other flavors into the meat. It also adds a subtle, fruity flavor to the chicken.

• Garlic: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Paprika: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness, which complements the spiciness of the chili powder and red pepper flakes.

• Oregano: A herb that brings a fresh, aromatic quality to the marinade, grounding the dish in Mediterranean flavors.

• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the flavors of the marinade.

• Chili Powder and Red Pepper Flakes: These spices bring the heat, creating a zesty kick without overpowering the dish.

• Bay Leaf: Infuses the marinade with a subtle, herbal fragrance that enhances the depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by making the marinade in a blender or food processor. Combine the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, sea salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. The result will be a fragrant, flavorful marinade that will coat the chicken perfectly.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Use a knife to score the chicken legs a few times to help the marinade penetrate the meat. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl and pour about 1/3 cup of the marinade over the chicken. Stir to ensure the chicken is fully coated, and add extra sea salt to taste. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the marinade, ensuring that each bite is full of savory goodness. Set aside the remaining sauce for basting during the cooking process.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that the chicken doesn’t stick to the dish as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Discard any excess marinade, as it’s not needed for baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The chicken will start to cook through, becoming tender while soaking up all the flavor from the marinade.

Step 5: Baste and Continue Baking
After 20-25 minutes, turn the chicken over and baste it with the reserved marinade. Cover the dish with foil again and bake for another 20-25 minutes. This ensures that both sides of the chicken are flavorful and tender.

Step 6: Finish Baking
Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear, remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes. This will help the chicken skin crisp up and turn golden brown. Check that the chicken is cooked through by cutting into it or using an instant-read thermometer.

Step 7: Rest and Serve
After the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This step ensures that the chicken remains moist and tender. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, and enjoy the rich, flavorful results.

Serving Suggestions

This Portuguese chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors:

• Rice: Serve the chicken with steamed white or brown rice, which will soak up the delicious marinade.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side, as they balance the spiciness and richness of the chicken.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers are perfect for adding a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette will add brightness and balance to the dish.

Conclusion

Homemade Portuguese Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. The zesty marinade, with its combination of garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and a hint of spice, infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while ensuring it stays moist and tender. This dish is easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time, and the result is a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, Portuguese Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!