Description

Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky and spicy delight. It’s garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges to add a bright, refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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

For Garnish and Serving:

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated to create a vibrant marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs into the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, preferably overnight for maximum taste infusion.
Preheat Grill or Skillet: When ready to cook, preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and char on the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a slightly charred, smoky exterior.
Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat source and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices, making the chicken tender and flavorful.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the grilled chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over before eating for a refreshing citrus kick.

Notes

For extra heat, add fresh chopped green chillies to the marinade or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the chicken more effectively.
If grilling is not an option, cooking in a hot skillet works well to achieve the desired char and doneness.