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Easy Portuguese Chicken

Easy Portuguese Chicken That Will Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinners

Discover the vibrant flavors of Easy Portuguese Chicken, a quick and simple dish that elevates your weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Marinating Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Alternatively, lime juice
  • 1/4 cup Oil (e.g., olive oil) Canola is a good substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Paprika Use smoked paprika for a smoky twist
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder works if fresh isn’t available
  • 1 tablespoon Oregano Italian seasoning can be used instead
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust depending on dietary needs
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Modify according to your heat preference
  • 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Use sparingly and taste test as you go
  • 1 leaf Bay Leaf (optional) Bay powder is a quick substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground offers the best aroma

Equipment

  • blender
  • Baking Dish
  • Zip-lock Bag
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a blender, combine fresh lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, minced garlic, oregano, salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Blitz the mixture until smooth and well combined.
  2. Using a sharp knife, take your chicken quarters and carefully score the skin and meat down to the bone.
  3. Place the scored chicken inside a large zip-lock bag and pour in about two-thirds of your prepared marinade. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  5. Take a buttered baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken skin-side down, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and bake for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil, baste the chicken with reserved marinade, and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
  7. Uncover and baste the chicken again, then bake for another 15-20 minutes or until juices run clear and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To maximize flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.

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