| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 23g | 4.6g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 34g | 1.9g |
Why I Love Portuguese Grilled Chicken
A Culinary Journey to Portugal
One can hardly imagine a more delightful dining experience than sinking your teeth into a piece of perfectly grilled chicken, seasoned with the finest herbs and spices. One such recipe which I hold particularly dear to my heart is the Portuguese Grilled Chicken. It’s not simply a case of nostalgia or a penchant for the exotic that endears this recipe to me, it’s the charming simplicity combined with explosions of flavor that really sets this apart.
A Delightful Fusion of Tradition and Flavor
As an Irish-American, my culinary experiences have largely revolved around New England seafood and Irish comfort food, which are truly delightful in their own unique ways. However, there is something irresistibly captivating about the fiery character and robust flavor profile of Portuguese cuisine that I’ve discovered.
Coming across this recipe was nothing short of serendipity. Inspired by world-renowned chef, Jamie Oliver, well known for his culinary adventures around the globe, I decided to add my own little twist to this Portuguese delight.
One of the magical aspects of this sophisticated yet uncomplicated recipe, is how it masterfully uses ordinary ingredients like paprika, garlic, and even a splash of red wine vinegar, to transform chicken into a gourmet dish. It somehow miraculously combines the luxurious tastes of fermented paprika and the tangy zest of lemon, the smokiness of grill and the freshness of parsley, creating an exotic fiesta of flavors!
Perfect Pairings
Whether you are planning a picnic or a summer barbecue, this Grilled Chicken recipe is versatile enough to complement many dishes. From an outlook of dishes, it pairs effortlessly with a simple Lemon Pasta with Roasted Shrimp, or even a comforting warm bowl of Irish stew, blending seamlessly with its flavors.
With my precious little family, my fiancée Laura, our newborn son, and the legacy of my Irish grandparents who taught me the significance of family meals, each bite of this Portuguese Grilled Chicken is a reminder of our adventures, love, and shared moments around the dinner table. Create these precious memories with your loved ones as you enjoy this wonderful recipe together.
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What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of paprika
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of paprika, 6 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Step Two
Incorporate 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar into the bowl of spices. Stir vigorously to combine all ingredients until they create a thick paste.
Step Three
Add in the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the spice and oil mixture, and stir momentarily to evenly distribute the lemon flavour.
Step Four
Place the 6 chicken breasts in a large, shallow dish. Apply your prepared marinade generously to each chicken breast, making sure each one is completely covered in the paste. Allow the chicken to marinate for as long as possible, preferably overnight.
Step Five
Once the chicken has been adequately marinated, prepare your grill. Take your marinated chicken breasts out of the fridge and leave them at room temperature for about 15 minutes. After the grill is hot, place the chicken breasts over the indirect heat to cook.
Step Six
Grill the chicken breasts for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle. When finished, sprinkle each breast with a bit of chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and decoration.
Step Seven
Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before serving it, this will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Step Eight
Your Grilled Chicken is now ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies or rice.
