Butterflied Portuguese Chicken (Juicy, Smoky, and Perfectly Crispy)

If you’re looking for a chicken dish that delivers bold flavor, irresistible aroma, and beautifully crisp skin, Butterflied Portuguese Chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Marinated with garlic, paprika, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil, this dish captures the heart of Portuguese-inspired cooking—simple ingredients treated with care to produce unforgettable results.

Butterflying the chicken allows it to cook evenly while maximizing surface area for seasoning and browning. Whether roasted in the oven or cooked on the grill, this method ensures juicy meat and golden, crackly skin every single time.

Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between rustic comfort and impressive presentation. Served traditionally with crispy oven fries, creamy toum, and fresh lemon wedges, it delivers a complete, satisfying meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deeply flavorful marinade using pantry spices and fresh aromatics
• Even cooking thanks to the butterflied chicken technique
• Crispy skin and juicy meat without complicated steps
• Flexible cooking methods—roast in the oven or grill outdoors
• Perfect for sharing, serving four generous portions

This recipe is approachable for home cooks yet delivers restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 4 servings and uses a carefully balanced marinade that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering it.

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra-virgin olive oil

Main Ingredient

• 1.2–1.8 kg whole chicken, butterflied

To Serve

• Crispy oven fries
• 1 cup (250 g) toum (Lebanese garlic sauce)
• Lemon wedges

Each ingredient plays a clear role. The paprika and oregano provide warmth and earthiness, lemon juice and vinegar add brightness, and olive oil ensures moisture and crisping during cooking.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this recipe smoothly, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wire rack
• Baking tray
• Paper towels
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

If grilling, you’ll also need a clean, preheated grill with a lid.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve perfect results. The instructions below are fully aligned with the original recipe.

1. Preheat the Cooking Surface

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or prepare an outdoor grill for medium-high heat cooking.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sea salt flakes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Whisk until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Place the butterflied whole chicken on a wire rack set over a baking tray. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is key to achieving crispy skin.

4. Marinate the Chicken

Using a brush, apply the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken, making sure it gets into all crevices.

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for best flavor.

5. Cook the Chicken

Roast or grill the chicken skin-side up for 40–45 minutes, brushing with extra marinade halfway through cooking.

The chicken is done when it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Rest the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the oven or grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.

7. Serve

Carve the chicken and serve with crispy oven fries, toum, and lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

Cooking Success Tips

• Marinating overnight delivers the deepest flavor.
• Always pat the chicken dry before cooking for extra crispy skin.
• Cooking on a wire rack promotes even heat circulation.
• For extra smokiness, finish the chicken on the grill for 5 minutes.

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
• Dairy-free: Contains no dairy ingredients.
• Halal-friendly: Uses halal-appropriate ingredients.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken delivers a balanced flavor profile that is savory, citrusy, slightly sweet, and gently smoky. The paprika provides warmth, oregano adds herbal depth, and lemon brightens every bite.

The texture contrast between crisp skin and juicy meat makes this dish especially satisfying. Toum adds a creamy, garlicky richness, while lemon wedges sharpen and refresh the palate.

Nutritional Overview

Each serving provides a well-balanced nutritional profile:

• High-quality protein from whole chicken
• Healthy fats from extra-virgin olive oil
• Low carbohydrate content

This dish is satisfying, filling, and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• The marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance.
• Chicken can marinate overnight for deeper flavor.
• Leftover chicken can be carved and stored for quick meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why butterfly the chicken?

Butterflying allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop crispy skin across the entire surface.

Can I grill instead of roast?

Yes. This recipe works beautifully on both the grill and in the oven.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I reduce the salt?

The recipe is balanced as written, but seasoning can be adjusted to personal preference.

Is toum required?

No, but it is traditionally served and complements the flavors exceptionally well.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken whole on a platter for a dramatic presentation, or carve it before serving for ease. Arrange crispy fries alongside, add a bowl of toum, and scatter lemon wedges around the plate for a classic Portuguese-style feast.

Recipe Variations Using the Same Ingredients

1. Extra-Crispy Oven Roast: Use convection mode if available for enhanced browning.
2. Grill-Finished Chicken: Roast first, then grill briefly for smoky char.
3. Family-Style Platter: Carve and serve over fries with toum on the side.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sweet Paprika

Sweet paprika provides color, warmth, and subtle sweetness without heat. Choose fresh, vibrant paprika and store it away from heat and light to preserve its flavor.

Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

A good-quality olive oil enhances the marinade’s richness and helps achieve crisp skin. Store it in a cool, dark place and use within a few months of opening.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Brush marinade evenly to avoid burning sugar spots.
• Let the chicken rest before carving for juicier meat.
• Position the chicken skin-side up to maximize crispiness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Refrigeration

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Freezing

Freeze carved chicken in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	45 g
Fat	36 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Unsaturated Fat	28 g
Carbohydrates	6 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	980 mg
Cholesterol	145 mg

Dietary Notes: Halal, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free.

Final Thoughts

Butterflied Portuguese Chicken is a timeless, flavor-packed dish that proves great cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. With a bold marinade, simple technique, and flexible cooking options, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results.

Whether you roast it for a cozy family meal or grill it for a weekend gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

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