I still remember the first time I nailed this Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken recipe after a few kitchen experiments. There’s something so satisfying about getting the balance just right between heat, tang, and those smoky undertones. It’s the kind of dish that quickly became a staple in my weeknight rotation—a reliable go-to when I want something bold but simple. This spicy grilled chicken recipe gave me the confidence to get adventurous with chili marinated chicken without needing fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken fits right into my cooking routine because it’s quick to prep and bursting with flavor. I love how the peri peri sauce chicken flair adds just the right tang and spice, lighting up any dinner. It’s an approachable recipe that brings me joy, a touch of Portuguese seafood spices-inspired magic, and that satisfying sizzle from the grill or oven. Friends and family always ask for this dish again, which feels like a warm kitchen win.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, crowd-pleasing dish that packs flavor without fuss, this spicy Portuguese chilli chicken is your answer. I invite you to try it out, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy the process as much as the delicious results.
What You’ll Need for This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds) – thighs stay juicy, but chicken breasts work if you prefer.
- 4 tablespoons peri peri sauce – you can find bottles at most grocery stores or make a quick homemade version.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika – adds that smoky depth typical of Portuguese peri peri chicken.
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper – adjust for your heat level; this is key to the spicy grilled chicken recipe vibe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a nod to Portuguese seafood spices.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey – balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Don’t have peri peri sauce on hand? No worries—mix some hot sauce with a squeeze of lemon, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick chili marinated chicken alternative. This spicy Portuguese chilli chicken stays budget-friendly since the main star is the chicken thighs and a handful of simple pantry spices you likely already own. I always include a little extra garlic to punch up the flavor.
To save time, mix your marinade ahead and let your chicken soak up those flavors while you prep your sides. You can store leftover sauce or chili marinated chicken in the fridge up to three days, perfect for quick meals or a spontaneous grill session.
How to Make This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken:
- Start by mixing peri peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, oregano, salt, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl. This marinade is where all the magic happens for your spicy grilled chicken recipe.
- Add your chicken thighs to the bowl, coating them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4, or even overnight. The longer, the better for that deep chili-marinated chicken flavor.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking. This step helps your spicy Portuguese chilli chicken develop that lovely char.
- Place chicken on the grill or a lined baking sheet if roasting. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear. Your kitchen will smell amazing when this spicy Portuguese chilli chicken is ready.
- If your spicy Portuguese chilli chicken looks a bit charred in spots, don’t worry–that’s part of the flavor. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
- While the chicken cooks, you can prepare a simple side like garlic rice or roasted veggies to complement the bold spice.
- Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking – this keeps it juicy and tender before serving.
Personally, I love making this in the air fryer when I’m short on time. For more air fryer-friendly versions, the Piri piri chicken recipe with easy kitchen ingredients shared here is a great resource.
Serving Your Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken:
This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken truly shines when served alongside garlic rice or a fresh salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil. Those sides help balance the heat and complement the peri peri sauce chicken’s vibrant flavors. Roasted potatoes or grilled corn also work wonderfully, especially for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
I often serve this spicy Portuguese chilli chicken at family dinners or when friends come over. It’s a conversation starter with its bold flavors and gets everyone eager for seconds. Presentation is simple—slice the chicken over a platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and add lemon wedges for an inviting finish.
Leftovers? Chop the chili marinated chicken for sandwiches or toss it into a hearty salad. During spring, I like to add fresh herbs for a lighter twist. You might also enjoy pairing this dish with sides inspired by Portuguese seafood spices, such as garlic butter green beans or a tomato and onion salad.
If you enjoy this, you might love a recipe I recently shared called Buffalo Chicken Taquitos, which boasts a different kind of spicy, satisfying bite.
Common Questions About This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken:
- Can I make this Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken ahead of time? Absolutely! Marinate your chicken overnight, or cook it ahead and gently reheat in a low oven or air fryer. It keeps well and even tastes better as flavors meld.
- What’s a good substitute for peri peri sauce in this recipe? Try mixing hot sauce with garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and olive oil—it mimics the pungent, tangy profile quite nicely.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but leaner breasts cook faster and can dry out, so watch cooking times closely and consider marinating less time.
- How much heat does this Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken have? It’s spicy but not overwhelming, thanks to the balance from lemon juice and honey. You can adjust cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter.
- Can I grill this chicken indoors? Definitely! Use a grill pan or broil on a baking sheet to mimic that charred flavor.
- What sides are best with this recipe? Garlic rice, roasted veggies, or even a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
If you’re curious about the flavor profile of peri peri sauce chicken, this excellent Peri Peri Sauce guide explains its garlicky, spicy, lemony, tangy magic that really makes this dish sing.
Final Thoughts on This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken:
This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken has earned a special place in my recipe collection because it’s dependable, packed with bold flavor, and so flexible. Whether for a simple family dinner or gathering friends, this dish comes together easily and never disappoints.
My Top Tips for This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken include:
Marinate as long as possible for deeper flavor.
Don’t skip the smoky paprika—it’s key to getting that authentic taste.
Adjust heat to your liking using cayenne and peri peri sauce.
I enjoy variations like swapping honey for brown sugar, adding fresh chili flakes for extra kick, or using lime juice for a brighter citrus note. The version that gets requested most often is my classic marinade with smoked paprika and fresh garlic.
I hope you make this recipe your own and enjoy the satisfying spice and simplicity this Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken brings to your kitchen. For more ideas, check out my comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew or a hearty Chicken Shepherd’s Pie.
To see this kind of home cooking in action, there’s a lively discussion about piri piri chicken over at Home Cooking Sessions: Piri Piri Chicken and spicy chicken rice. Dive in if you want tips and stories from fellow spicy chicken lovers.
Give this Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken a try—you deserve a tasty, approachable dish that feels like a kitchen win every time. Happy cooking, friends!
Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken
This Spicy Portuguese Chilli Chicken features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and fiery chillies, delivering a perfect balance of heat and smoky flavor for an unforgettable meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine garlic, smoked paprika, chili flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra heat, add fresh chopped green chillies to the marinade or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.