Description
Prepare to indulge in a culinary delight with this Portuguese Roast Chicken, a dish that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Portugal right in your own kitchen. Marinated in a spicy blend of smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this chicken boasts a crispy skin while remaining juicy on the inside. Ideal for family dinners or festive occasions, it’s best served alongside a fresh garden salad and lemon wedges for an unforgettable meal experience. With easy preparation steps, even novice cooks can impress their guests with this flavorful centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (1.6–1.8 kg), butterflied
- Salt for seasoning
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Garden salad and lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.
- Rub the marinade thoroughly over the butterflied chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred).
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Place marinated chicken skin-side up on a roasting tray lined with baking paper or foil.
- Roast for about 1 hour until the skin is golden brown and juices run clear.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 chicken (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Marinate overnight for enhanced flavor. Ensure even butterflying of the chicken for consistent cooking. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).