The aroma of grilled chicken wafted through the air, igniting memories of summer evenings gathered with loved ones. This Butterflied Portuguese Chicken brings that same warmth and nostalgia right to your kitchen. With its vibrant smoky and garlicky flavor, this recipe not only elevates your dinner table but is also budget-friendly and quick to prepare. Whether you grill or roast, it’s a versatile dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration. Plus, marinating overnight allows the flavors to infuse deeply, making it a real crowd-pleaser suitable for all diets. Ready to impress your family and friends with this juicy delight? Let’s dive in!
Why is Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Unforgettable?
Unique Flavors: Smoky and garlicky, this dish is bursting with rich flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients make this a fantastic choice for meals that won’t break the bank.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Grilling or roasting, choose your preferred method, making it adaptable for different occasions.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, it’s a dish that appeals to all palates, ensuring your next dinner party is a hit!
Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate overnight for an easy, stress-free meal the next day, perfect for busy weeknights or family feasts.
Elevate your dinner game and try serving it alongside some crispy fries or a refreshing salad for a complete meal!
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Ingredients
• For the Marinade
- Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spices; substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural alternative.
- Olive Oil – Provides moisture and aids in flavor infusion; can be swapped with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Paprika – Adds smokiness and vibrant color; use sweet paprika for a mild flavor, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Oregano – Dried oregano contributes an earthy note to the marinade.
- Garlic – This key flavor component enhances the overall taste; use fresh for a pungent kick.
- Lemon Juice – Adds acidity and brightness, helping to tenderize the chicken for a juicy result.
- Sea Salt Flakes – Essential for flavor enhancement; kosher salt can also be used as a substitute.
• For the Chicken
- Whole Chicken (1.2-1.8 kg) – The base of the dish; butterflying ensures even cooking and juiciness, making every bite delightful.
• For Serving
- Toum – A garlic cream that adds richness; can be swapped with aioli or homemade garlic mayo for a creamy complement.
Unleash the flavors of this Butterflied Portuguese Chicken and enjoy a delightful meal that resonates with warmth and comforting memories!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Marinade
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, olive oil, paprika, oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt. Whisk the ingredients together until fully blended, creating a rich marinade that is aromatic and inviting. This mixture will infuse your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken with smoky and garlicky flavors, ensuring a delightful taste that resonates throughout.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut along the backbone of the whole chicken, pressing down firmly to flatten it. Open the chicken like a book, and gently press down on the breast to ensure it lies flat. This butterflying technique promotes even cooking and helps achieve that juicy tenderness you desire in your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken.
Step 3: Marinate
Generously coat the butterflied chicken in the marinade, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered for maximum flavor. Once well-coated, cover the chicken with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This marination period allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a scrumptious, smoky experience.
Step 4: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Whether you choose to grill or roast, preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a grill, prepare it for direct heat to achieve that perfect char. For roasting, line a baking tray with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Getting your cooking surface hot is essential to achieving that crispy skin on your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken skin-side up on your grill or in the oven, and let it cook for approximately 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the skin is golden brown and crispy, and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is juicy and fully cooked, bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it lets the juices settle, resulting in more tender meat. Once rested, slice the chicken into portions and serve it alongside crispy oven fries, a generous dollop of toum, and fresh lemon wedges for a refreshing twist.
Make Ahead Options
These Butterflied Portuguese Chicken meal prep tips are a game-changer for busy home cooks! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for a mouthwatering result. Simply follow the marinade prep instructions and refrigerate the chicken covered. If you want to take it further, you can prepare the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before using it. To maintain quality, keep the marinated chicken in an airtight container and ensure it’s dried before cooking for that golden, crispy skin. When you’re ready to serve, just cook it right from the fridge and follow the normal cooking instructions for a delicious, hassle-free dinner!
What to Serve with Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
Embrace the flavors of your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken by creating a delightful ensemble of sides that enhance every bite.
- Crispy Oven Fries: Golden and crunchy, these fries perfectly complement the smoky chicken, adding a satisfying texture to each mouthful.
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Loaded with fresh veggies and herbs, this vibrant salad adds a lightness that balances the garlicky richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Tender, sautéed green beans drizzled with garlic butter complement the chicken’s robust flavors while adding a fresh, green crunch.
- Spicy Peri-Peri Sauce: A fiery dipping sauce that enhances the smoky notes in the chicken, enticing adventurous eaters to dive right in!
- Homemade Tzatziki: A cool, creamy yogurt sauce with cucumbers and dill, tzatziki complements the garlic and spice with its refreshing taste, creating a delightful contrast.
- Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Serve hearty roasted vegetables infused with olive oil and herbs for a colorful side that mirrors the chicken’s vibrant flavors.
- Lemon-Dill Couscous: Fluffy couscous infused with lemon zest and fresh dill offers a zesty twist that’ll brighten the overall meal experience.
- Chilled Citrus Sparkler: Pair your meal with a refreshing drink, like a citrus-infused sparkling water, to cleanse the palate after every delicious bite.
- Decadent Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, this rich, airy treat provides a sweet finish, balancing the savory notes of the chicken with its indulgent creaminess.
- Fruit Salad Medley: A light, seasonal fruit salad filled with berries, citrus, and mint serves as a refreshing, vibrant accompaniment to round out your meal.
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Variations
Dive into the creative possibilities with your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken, and let your culinary imagination shine!
-
Whole30 Approved: Opt for coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a flavorful, healthy marinade.
Make sure to balance those flavors—it’s amazing how coconut brings out a gentle sweetness! -
Gluten-Free: Substitute standard soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free twist on your marinade
The outcome will be just as delicious, ensuring everyone can enjoy this scrumptious chicken! -
Heat It Up: Add a teaspoon of cayenne or your favorite hot sauce for an extra spicy kick.
A little heat can elevate the dish, creating a tantalizing experience for spice lovers! -
Herbal Infusion: Swap the oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a vibrant twist.
Fresh herbs bring an aromatic touch, enhancing the dish’s overall bouquet of flavors! -
Crispy Skin Lover: Broil for the last few minutes of cooking to achieve an even crunchier skin.
This method will give you an irresistible texture that adds to the visual appeal of your dish! -
Lemon Herb Marinade: Substitute lemon juice with lime and add cilantro for a zesty spin.
The citrus kick will brighten up the flavors and evoke a lively summer vibe!
While you’re experimenting, don’t forget to try pairing this delightful chicken with garlic sauce from my Garlic BBQ Chicken or a side of crispy fries reminiscent of my Fiery Chicken Ramen. Each option complements the smoky chicken beautifully!
How to Store and Freeze Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
Fridge: Keep uncooked marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping it fresh.
Freezer: Store the marinated Butterflied Portuguese Chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking for best results.
Cooked Leftovers: Refrigerate leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For optimal texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Wrap for Freshness: Always wrap the chicken tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn when freezing, ensuring it retains its savory flavors.
Expert Tips for Butterflied Portuguese Chicken
- Dry the Chicken: Always dry the chicken thoroughly before marinating to achieve a crispy skin when cooking. Excess moisture can steam the chicken instead.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by incorporating chili flakes or a splash of peri-peri sauce into the marinade. Taste before marinating to find your perfect balance.
- Overnight Marination: Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor infusion, but if short on time, aim for at least 30 minutes.
- Reheat Wisely: If you have leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain optimal texture, rather than in a microwave, which can make the chicken dry.
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chicken?
Absolutely! When choosing a whole chicken for your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken, look for one that feels heavy for its size with no dark spots or blemishes. Fresh chickens should have a pleasant, clean smell, and the skin should be creamy or slightly yellow. Aim for a weight between 1.2-1.8 kg; this size strikes the perfect balance for cooking evenly and delivering moist, flavorful meat.
What’s the best way to store marinated chicken?
You can keep your marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store it in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent the marinade from leaking and to keep it fresh. If you’re prepping ahead, you can also freeze the marinated chicken for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw it in the fridge at least 24 hours before cooking for the best results.
Can I freeze cooked Butterflied Portuguese Chicken?
Definitely! To freeze your leftover cooked Butterflied Portuguese Chicken, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. You can enjoy it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain its delicious texture.
What if my chicken isn’t browning properly?
Very! If your Butterflied Portuguese Chicken isn’t browning, it may be due to two common issues: your oven temperature might be too low, or there’s too much moisture on the skin. Ensure your cooking surface is preheated properly. You can also pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating to help achieve that crispy, golden-brown skin.
Is this recipe suitable for guests with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is versatile and suitable for many diets, including halal, as long as you source halal-certified chicken. If you have guests with allergies, you can easily adjust ingredients: omit garlic if there’s a garlic allergy and use alternative oils if needed. Always check with your guests about any specific allergies before preparing the dish.
How long can I keep leftover cooked chicken?
Cooked Butterflied Portuguese Chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the delicious texture and flavor, reheat it in an oven set to 350°F (175°C). This method will help preserve the moisture in the chicken, keeping it juicy and enjoyable on the second go!
Butterflied Portuguese Chicken: Smoky, Juicy Goodness Awaits
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, olive oil, paprika, oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt. Whisk together until fully blended.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the backbone of the whole chicken, pressing down to flatten it. Open like a book, ensuring it lies flat.
- Coat the butterflied chicken in the marinade, ensuring every part is covered. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C). For grilling, prepare for direct heat; for roasting, line a baking tray with aluminum foil.
- Place the marinated chicken skin-side up on your grill or in the oven, and cook for approximately 45 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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