Portuguese Grilled Chicken

Spicy Grilled Portuguese Chicken with Garlic & Lemon Marinade

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting authentic Portuguese chicken—spicy, smoky, and deeply flavorful—you’ll know it’s unforgettable. Inspired by the iconic Piri Piri chicken from Portugal, this homemade version uses bone-in, skin-on chicken for juicy meat and irresistible crispy skin. The bold marinade, infused with garlic, paprika, lemon, and a touch of heat, takes simple grilled chicken to the next level.

Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or weekend grilling sessions, this Portuguese Grilled Chicken is easy to prepare and full of character. Whether cooked on a charcoal grill, gas barbecue, or grill pan indoors, the result is mouthwatering every time.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or use a whole chicken cut into pieces for variety)
3 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and helps the spices cling
4 cloves garlic, minced – bold and aromatic
1 tablespoon smoked paprika – smoky depth of flavor
1 tablespoon sweet paprika – balances the heat with a mild sweetness
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) – brings the heat
1 teaspoon dried oregano – herbal and earthy
1 teaspoon ground cumin – warm, nutty undertones
Juice of 1 lemon – brightness and acidity
Zest of 1 lemon – adds citrusy aroma
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar – tangy and sharp
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley
Lemon wedges

Marinade Preparation

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cayenne, oregano, cumin, lemon juice, lemon zest, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk everything together until you get a vibrant, red-tinged marinade that smells absolutely divine.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces into a large zip-top bag or shallow glass container.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it into every crevice.
Seal or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor infusion.

Pro Tip: The acidity from the lemon and vinegar helps tenderize the meat, while the spices build a deep flavor profile. Don’t skip the marinating time—it makes all the difference!

Grilling Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, allow coals to ash over before cooking. If using a gas grill or grill pan, heat until nicely hot.
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
Place chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Move chicken to a cooler part of the grill or reduce heat if it starts to burn before fully cooked.
Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant Portuguese grilled chicken with:

Crispy roasted potatoes or fries (Portuguese-style batatas fritas)
A fresh green salad or cucumber-tomato salad
Garlic rice or grilled corn
Warm crusty bread to mop up the juices
A drizzle of extra lemon juice or hot sauce if you love heat

Finish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges for that restaurant-quality touch.

Variations

No grill? Roast the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
Boneless option: Use boneless thighs or breasts; reduce cooking time to about 4–6 minutes per side.
Add Piri Piri: Want it more authentic? Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of Piri Piri sauce to the marinade.

Time & Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes (plus marinating)
Servings: 4
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich in bold spices and herbs
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Can be made year-round
Ideal for grilling, roasting, or meal prep
Customizable spice level

Bring the vibrant flavors of Portugal right to your backyard with this irresistible Spicy Grilled Portuguese Chicken. Perfectly charred, juicy, and full of personality—this dish is sure to become a favorite for grill nights and special gatherings.