Description
This Irresistible Butterflied Portuguese Chicken recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Butterflying the whole chicken ensures even cooking and a juicy, flavorful result, complemented by a creamy toum dipping sauce. Ideal for flavor lovers seeking a vibrant and satisfying meal with a Portuguese flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 whole Chicken
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon Paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1 tablespoon Oregano (dried)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Accompaniments
- 1 cup Toum (creamy garlic sauce)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Use kitchen shears to cut along the backbone of the whole chicken, then open it up and flatten it out in a process called butterflying. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, dried oregano, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, and salt until fully combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Generously coat the butterflied chicken in the marinade, making sure to cover all parts evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat Grill or Oven: Prepare your grill or oven by heating it to medium-high heat, ensuring it’s ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or roast the marinated butterflied chicken at medium-high heat for about 45 minutes, until the skin is crispy, juices run clear, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Serve whole alongside crispy oven fries, a bowl of toum for dipping, and fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and faster.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors significantly.
- If you don’t have a grill, roasting in the oven works just as well.
- Use smoked paprika for a more authentic and smoky flavor.
- Always check the internal temperature of poultry to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Toum sauce adds a traditional garlicky creaminess that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
