portuguese chicken recipe

The Best portuguese chicken recipe

Oh, this Portuguese chicken recipe is one of my all-time favorites—simple, flavorful, and just the right balance of comfort food and freshness. It started as a dish my mother-in-law would make when we’d have family gatherings, and over the years, it’s become a staple in our home, especially on weekends when we’re cooking for the whole family. The way the chicken soaks up the tangy, garlicky marinade and the crispy edges from the pan make it feel special, even though it’s not overly complicated. My kids love it too—it’s not too heavy, not too greasy, and the herbs and spices give it a bright, zesty kick that makes it feel like a treat, even when we’re just eating for dinner. It’s the kind of dish that works for everything: a casual weeknight meal, a light lunch for a busy day, or a showstopper for a holiday dinner. Plus, it’s got all the good stuff—lean protein, healthy fats from the olive oil, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables and spices. It’s not just food; it’s a way to bring people together, and that’s what really makes it special.

Bacalhau à Brás com Frango (Portuguese Chicken and Eggs with Potatoes)

4.8 from 1542 votes

A classic Portuguese dish featuring tender chicken, crispy fried potatoes, and creamy eggs, all tossed together in a simple yet flavorful sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal!

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Potatoes

• 8 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Eggs and Sauce

• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced

👨‍🍳Directions

1. 1 Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) if preheating potatoes. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. 2 In the same skillet, add sliced potatoes and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden and crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. 3 In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft (2-3 minutes). Pour in ½ cup of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes to make a light sauce. Remove from heat.
4. 4 Whisk eggs in a bowl with crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the onions and cook over low heat until eggs are set but still slightly runny.
5. 5 In the same skillet used for the chicken, add olive oil and cook the chicken again for 1 minute to reheat. Combine chicken, potatoes, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir gently to mix everything together.

🔧Equipment

• Large skillet
• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Oven (optional, for preheating potatoes)
• Slotted spoon
• Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28💛Saturated Fat: 10❤️Cholesterol: 150🧂Sodium: 850🌾Total Carbs: 45🥦Dietary Fiber: 6🍬Sugars: 4🥩Protein: 40

📝Notes

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This Portuguese chicken recipe is always a crowd-pleaser because it’s simple yet deeply flavorful—perfect for when you need something hearty but not too heavy for family dinners. The tender chicken, smothered in rich tomato sauce with garlic and paprika, feels special without being overly complicated, making it a reliable choice for casual get-togethers or when you want to impress without extra effort. Plus, it’s easy to double up and serve with crusty bread or rice, so there’s always enough for everyone.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bacalhau à Brás com Frango (Portuguese Chicken and Eggs with Potatoes)

What is the traditional Portuguese chicken dish called?

The traditional Portuguese chicken dish is called “Frango Piri-Piri”. It features marinated chicken in a fiery hot sauce made with piri-piri peppers, garlic, and citrus, often served with rice or bread.

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How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours (or overnight in the fridge). Longer marination allows the spices and citrus to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing tenderness and taste.

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Can I make Frango Piri-Piri without fresh piri-piri peppers?

Yes! If you can’t find fresh piri-piri peppers, you can substitute with hot red peppers (like cayenne or serrano) or a mix of hot sauce (like Tabasco) and extra garlic and lemon juice to replicate the spicy, tangy flavor.

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What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it juicy?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/74°C internal temp). Grill, bake, or pan-sear until slightly charred on the outside but still moist inside. Resting for 5 minutes before serving helps retain juices.

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What sides pair best with Frango Piri-Piri?

A classic pairing is Portuguese white rice (arroz branco), warm crusty bread (pão fresco), and a simple salad with lemon vinaigrette. Some also enjoy potatoes (batatas) or a side of black-eyed peas (feijão-preto) for a heartier meal.