Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a spicy piri piri blend, roasted alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions for a flavorful one-pan meal. This portuguese-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 80 minutes blends bone-in chicken thighs, medium, cut into wedges red onion, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Portuguese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, 1 large sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 medium cut red onion wedges to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to coat everything and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the marinated chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Roast for 35-40 minutes until chicken skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), and vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (40 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sheet Pan Portuguese-Inspired Chicken with Piri Piri Marinade gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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