After a long week of fast food, nothing beats the satisfaction of creating a homemade meal that truly delights the senses. That’s when I discovered the magic of Butterflied Portuguese Chicken. As soon as that sizzling chicken hits the grill or oven, an irresistible aroma fills my kitchen—smoky, garlicky, and rich in bold flavors that transport me straight to the vibrant streets of Portugal.
This dish is not just easy to prepare; it’s a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any dinner from mundane to memorable. With golden, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat beneath, it’s a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Marinated in a tangy blend of lemon, paprika, and oregano, every bite bursts with flavor that rivals the finest restaurants, all while being gloriously budget-friendly. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, this Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is here to impress without the fuss. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s bring that comforting homemade goodness back to your table!
Why is Butterflied Portuguese Chicken a must-try?
Simplicity: Preparing Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is a breeze, making it perfect for cooks of all levels.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its bold flavors and crispy, juicy texture ensure it’s a hit with family and friends, turning any meal into a celebration.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy restaurant-quality flavors without breaking the bank—this dish delights both your taste buds and your wallet!
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with garlic rice, roasted veggies, or classic fries for an unforgettable feast.
Mouthwatering Aroma: Sizzling on the grill or in the oven, the delicious scent wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. Consider serving it with some garlic sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Ingredients
For the Marinade
• Paprika – Adds vibrant color and a hint of smokiness; sweet paprika is ideal, but smoky paprika can elevate the flavor.
• Dried Oregano – Infuses earthy undertones that perfectly complement the tanginess of the marinade.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic offers a bold aromatic punch; it’s a key player for that rich flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed is best, providing the necessary acidity to keep the chicken juicy.
• Olive Oil – Aids in marinating and moisture retention, helping spices adhere beautifully to the chicken.
• Red Wine Vinegar – This tangy ingredient can be swapped with apple cider or white wine vinegar if needed.
• Brown Sugar – Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness; alternatives include honey or maple syrup for a natural twist.
• Sea Salt Flakes – Enhances flavor; kosher salt works well as a substitute if you don’t have sea salt.
For the Chicken
• Whole Chicken – Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken to ensure delicious flavor—it’s the star of your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken!
For Serving
• Toum (Garlic Sauce) – This garlicky delight pairs wonderfully with the chicken; aioli or homemade garlic mayo can be excellent alternatives.
• Lemon Wedges – Fresh lemon adds a refreshing touch, making each bite even more tantalizing!
Get ready to savor the irresistible taste of this Butterflied Portuguese Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
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Butterfly the Chicken: Begin by using kitchen shears to cut along the backbone of the whole chicken. Flatten it out gently to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
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Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, sea salt flakes, and brown sugar until nicely blended.
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Marinate: Generously coat the butterflied chicken with the marinade. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for even deeper and richer flavors.
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Preheat Oven/Grill: Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature—set it to around 425°F—ensuring it’s hot enough to crisp up the chicken skin.
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Cook: Roast or grill the chicken for approximately 45 minutes, watching for that glorious crispy skin and making sure the internal temperature hits 165°F for perfectly cooked meat.
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Serve: Once done, beautifully present the chicken alongside golden fries, a bowl of toum, and fresh lemon wedges for a complete and inviting meal.
Optional: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
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Fridge: Store cooked Butterflied Portuguese Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
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Thawing: Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain safety.
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Reheating: To reheat cooked chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. This keeps the skin crispy and the meat juicy.
Make Ahead Options
These Butterflied Portuguese Chicken are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and infuse into the meat. Simply whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, vinegar, salt, and sugar, then coat your butterflied chicken and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or oven and roast for about 45 minutes until the skin is crispy. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal on busy weeknights with minimal effort—delivering that restaurant-quality taste right to your table!
Expert Tips for Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
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Dry the Chicken: Make sure to thoroughly dry the chicken before marinating; this will help achieve a crispy skin that everyone loves.
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Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Even a short 30-minute soak makes a difference, but patience pays off!
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Use a Meat Thermometer: This tool is crucial for checking doneness. Avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Elevate for Crispy Skin: If roasting, use a wire rack over a baking tray. This allows airflow all around the chicken, promoting that desirable crispy texture.
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Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, enhancing your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken experience!
What to Serve with Butterflied Portuguese Chicken?
Creating a full, delightful meal around your main dish is easier than you think, and this selection will ensure every bite is harmoniously delicious.
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Golden Fries: Crisp on the outside and fluffy inside, these classic fries soak up all the juicy flavors from the chicken and make every meal feel like a treat.
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Garlic Rice: Aromatic and savory, this fluffy rice infused with garlic complements the smoky chicken perfectly, adding a comforting starch to your plate.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies charred to perfection adds vibrant colors and earthy flavors that elevate the meal’s visual appeal and nutritional value.
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Fresh Green Salad: A refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds crunch and a tangy contrast to the rich chicken, balancing out the hearty flavors beautifully.
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Toum (Garlic Sauce): This creamy and garlicky sauce intensifies the dish’s flavors while providing a rich counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
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Lemon Wedges: With a quick squeeze of fresh lemon, you can enhance the chicken’s flavors remarkably while adding a burst of brightness to each bite.
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Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc enhances the smoky notes of the chicken and cuts through the richness, making it an ideal partner for this dish.
Transform your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken into a feast with these succulent pairings that will satisfy and delight!
Variations & Substitutions for Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
Feel free to get creative as you customize this dish to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinade for an extra layer of heat that elevates the flavor profile. Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance!
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Herb Blend: Swap out oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to give your chicken a refreshing twist. These herbs provide a fragrant, earthy quality that’s simply delightful.
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Zesty Citrus: Substitute lime juice for lemon juice for a slightly different, tropical zing that brightens up the flavors. This citrusy change will bring a refreshing twist to each bite.
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Honey Glaze: Instead of brown sugar, use honey for a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, creating a lovely glaze. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly, as honey is sweeter.
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Different Proteins: Experiment with chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer dark meat. These cuts stay juicy and are wonderfully flavorful when marinated and cooked.
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Vegetarian Delight: For a meat-free alternative, use marinated tofu or tempeh, and grill or roast until crispy. This provides a satisfying, protein-rich option for non-meat eaters.
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Flavorful Marinade: Enhance the marinade by adding a dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for umami richness. These ingredients add depth to the already robust flavor profile.
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Sides Swap: Instead of fries, serve the chicken with a refreshing green salad or couscous for a lighter meal option that complements the dish beautifully.
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select a whole chicken for butterflying?
When choosing a whole chicken for your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken, look for one that feels fresh and has firm, pale skin without any dark spots. A high-quality bird will greatly enhance the flavor of your dish.
How do I store leftovers from Butterflied Portuguese Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s essential to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it to preserve its flavor and moisture.
Can I freeze butterflied marinated chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze your raw marinated Butterflied Portuguese Chicken for up to 2 months. To do this, place the chicken in a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact!
What should I do if my chicken skin isn’t crispy after cooking?
If your chicken skin isn’t crispy as expected, you might not have dried it thoroughly before marinating, or it could have been crowded during cooking. To achieve that beautiful crispiness, ensure the chicken is patted dry with paper towels before marinating. Additionally, if roasting, placing it on a wire rack elevates the chicken, allowing hot air to circulate around it.
Is butterflied chicken safe for my dog to eat?
Yes, plain cooked chicken can be a great treat for your dog. However, ensure that it’s free from any seasoning, especially garlic or onions, which could be harmful. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about giving your pets certain meats.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure perfect doneness for your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bones, and check that it reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken while keeping food safety in mind.
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken: Juicy, Smoky Flavor on a Budget
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Butterfly the Chicken: Begin by using kitchen shears to cut along the backbone of the whole chicken. Flatten it out gently to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
- Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, sea salt flakes, and brown sugar until nicely blended.
- Marinate: Generously coat the butterflied chicken with the marinade. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for even deeper and richer flavors.
- Preheat Oven/Grill: Preheat your grill or oven to a high temperature—set it to around 425°F.
- Cook: Roast or grill the chicken for approximately 45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Present the chicken alongside golden fries, toum, and fresh lemon wedges for a complete meal.