Spicy Portuguese Grilled Chicken Thighs
Experience the vibrant flavors of Portugal with these Spicy Grilled Chicken Thighs. Marinated in a zesty blend of spices, fresh chili, and aromatic herbs, this dish is perfect for weekend barbecues or a cozy weeknight dinner. The touch of red wine vinegar adds brightness, while the olive oil ensures a juicy result. Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Portugal. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
4
Servings
550
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons (freshly cracked)
Dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
Fresh Thai red chili peppers
2 small (seeded and chopped)
Hot paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh garlic clove
1 (minced (or more for extra flavor))
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Olive oil
1/4 cup
Chicken thighs
6 (skin-on, bone-in)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the cracked black pepper, dried oregano, chopped Thai red chili peppers, hot paprika, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Reserve about 1/4 of the marinade mixture in a small bowl for serving later.
3
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Make sure each thigh is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade.
5
Cook the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a beautiful char on the outside.
6
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Serve immediately with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Nutrition Information
40g
Fat
4g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Portuguese Grilled Chicken?
It is a vibrant dish featuring chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of Thai red chili, hot paprika, garlic, herbs, and red wine vinegar, then grilled to perfection.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best results, refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible.
Can I cook this chicken without an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat as an alternative to an outdoor grill.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be considered fully cooked.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What type of chicken thighs are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs.
Why do I need to reserve some of the marinade?
About 1/4 of the marinade is reserved to drizzle over the cooked chicken as a fresh finishing sauce before serving.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, with only 4g of carbohydrates per serving, this is a low-carb friendly meal.
What type of vinegar is used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar to add brightness to the flavor profile.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
It typically takes 6-7 minutes on each side to cook the thighs thoroughly and achieve a nice char.
What are the key spices in the marinade?
The key spices include cracked black pepper, dried oregano, and hot paprika.
How many Thai red chili peppers are needed?
The recipe uses 2 small Thai red chili peppers, which should be seeded and chopped.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it provides 40g of protein per serving.
What should I serve with Portuguese Grilled Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 40g of fat, largely due to the skin-on thighs and olive oil.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1 minced garlic clove, though you can add more if you prefer extra flavor.
Can I reuse the marinade used for the raw chicken?
No, you should always discard the marinade that was in contact with raw chicken and use the reserved fresh marinade for serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a noticeable kick from the Thai red chilies and hot paprika, which gives it a spicy Portuguese character.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients, including the chicken and the components of the marinade.
What type of paprika should I use?
You should use hot paprika to maintain the heat profile of the dish.
How do I prepare the Thai chili peppers?
They should be seeded to control the heat level and then finely chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for a family barbecue?
Yes, it is tagged as family-friendly and is perfect for sharing during weekend barbecues.
Is the recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is classified as an easy weeknight dinner since the active prep and cooking time are relatively short.
Can I use dried herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for dried oregano leaves.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavors are zesty, aromatic, and spicy with a bright finish from the vinegar.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, the garlic should be peeled and minced before being added to the marinade.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper.
What makes the chicken juicy in this recipe?
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs combined with the olive oil in the marinade ensures a juicy result.