Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce

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

Juicy roasted chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of Portuguese spices and served with a fiery piri-piri sauce. This portuguese-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes blends smoked paprika, minced garlic cloves, 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Portuguese cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to form the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 whole chicken cut into 8 pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat; cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a roasting pan skin side up.
  4. Step 4: Roast chicken for 40-45 minutes until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting once halfway through with pan juices.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  6. Step 6: Serve the chicken with 1/2 cup piri-piri sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce?

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 Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce?

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 Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce 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.

What goes well with Spiced Portuguese Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce?

Portuguese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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