Description

This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and fiery chilli flakes. The marinade, enhanced with aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, delivers a perfect balance of smoky heat and tangy flavor from red wine vinegar. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is slightly charred on the outside while juicy and flavorful on the inside, garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Marinade

3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chili flakes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

To Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight to allow the flavors to deeply infuse.
Preheat Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat to get a good sear and char on the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be fully cooked through and develop a slightly charred, smoky exterior.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing citrus burst.

Notes

For extra heat, consider adding fresh chopped green chillies to the marinade or serve alongside a spicy dipping sauce.
Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor significantly, but at minimum, 1 hour is required.
This dish pairs well with rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.