Homemade Portuguese Chicken 

This popular Homemade Portuguese Chicken recipe from Allrecipes features chicken leg quarters marinated in a flavor-packed blend of lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, and chili heat, then baked to juicy perfection. With an 8‑hour (or overnight) marinade, each piece absorbs a zesty, slightly smoky profile before roasting under foil and finishing uncovered for crisp skin. The process is straightforward yet yields bold flavors and a comforting, home-cooked result. Ready in about 9 hours and 10 minutes total (mostly hands‑off marinating time), it's ideal for preparing ahead for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken leg quarters
  
  

• ¼ cup (60 ml) lemon juice
  
  

• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  
  

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  
  

• 1 tablespoon paprika
  
  

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
  

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (or to taste)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus additional pinch to taste
  
  

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  
  

• 1 bay leaf
  
  

Directions

1. Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes, sea salt, black pepper, and bay leaf in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.
   
   

2. Score the chicken leg pieces a few times and place in a resealable bag or bowl. Pour about ⅓ cup marinade over the chicken and stir to coat. Reserve the rest for basting. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight.
   
   

3. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and discard excess marinade. Cover with foil.
   
   

4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, then turn the chicken pieces, baste with the reserved marinade, cover again, and bake for another 20–25 minutes.
   
   

5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temp 165 °F / 74 °C) and develops golden, crispy skin.
   
   

6. Let the chicken rest briefly before serving. Baste once more, if desired.
   
   

Nutrients (per serving, recipe serves 4)

• Calories: ~492 kcal
  
  

• Protein: ~40 g
  
  

• Total Fat: ~35 g (saturated ~8 g)
  
  

• Carbohydrates: ~5 g (sugars ~1 g)
  
  

• Sodium: ~661 mg
  
  

• Cholesterol: ~140 mg