Portuguese Chicken Spice Mix 100g

Portuguese chicken mix is a marinade or spice blend featuring paprika, garlic, chili, and lemon, often including olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This combination is used to season chicken before grilling or roasting, resulting in a dish with smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors. A creamy or spicy peri-peri sauce is often added before serving.
Marinade and spice mix ingredients
Spices: Paprika, chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and sometimes turmeric or cumin.
Acids: Fresh lemon juice or vinegar is a key component, adding brightness to the dish.
Fat: Olive oil is typically used to create the marinade and carry the flavors.
Aromatics: Fresh garlic cloves are minced or pureed into the marinade.
Seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential for balancing the flavors.
Common variations and additions
Peri-Peri: The mix is often associated with peri-peri, a hot chili pepper, especially in variations like Nando's-style chicken, notes RecipeTin Eats.
Sauce: A separate sauce is often prepared with ingredients like fresh cream, peri-peri sauce, butter, and more spices, which is then poured over the chicken after baking.
Other seasonings: Some recipes call for other herbs like thyme or basil.
Preparation
Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl or food processor to create a smooth paste.
Marinate the chicken pieces in the mixture for at least 20 minutes, or for several hours for deeper flavor.
Grill, roast, or pan-fry the chicken until it is cooked through.
Often, a portion of the marinade is reserved for basting the chicken during cooking.
The finished dish is sometimes served with the prepared creamy or peri-peri sauce drizzled over the top.