Chicken Dinner (Jantar de Frango) Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
- Place 1 chicken, breast-side down, on a clean work surface. Use kitchen scissors or poultry shears to cut down both sides of backbone and discard. Turn chicken, breast-side up, and push down to flatten. Tuck wings under. Pat dry with paper towel. Repeat with remaining chicken. Use a knife to make several 5mm deep and 4cm long cuts into chicken meat. Place in a glass or ceramic baking dish.
- Combine the lemon juice, oil, paprika, oregano, garlic, chilli and salt in a bowl. Season with pepper. Pour over the chicken and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 6 hours to develop the flavours.
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Place chicken and marinade in a roasting pan. Roast in oven, basting occasionally with pan juices, for 40 minutes or until brown and juices run clean when chicken is pierced with a skewer. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Set aside for 5 minutes to rest.
- Meanwhile, to make the salad, place the tomato, cucumber, onion and olives in a bowl. Place oil, lemon juice and oregano in a screw-top jar and shake to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to combine.
- Cut each chicken in half and serve with lemon wedges and salad.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Sarah Hobbs
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter as a substitute for olive oil. Each will provide a different flavor, so choose based on your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Ensure that the chicken is flattened properly and evenly placed in the roasting pan. If one side is browning faster, rotate the pan halfway through cooking. Additionally, make sure your oven is properly preheated and calibrated.
Recommended Drink Pairings
Wine
Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and refreshing wine complements the lemon and olive oil in the chicken dish while balancing the spices with its acidity.
General: Sauvignon Blanc - The crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors of the lemon and herbs in the dish.
Beer
Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's light and crisp profile makes it a refreshing choice that pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
General: Pilsner - A classic Pilsner offers a clean, crisp finish that works harmoniously with the spices and the freshness of the salad.
Other Beverages
Lemonade: A homemade lemonade with fresh lemon juice enhances the citrus elements of the dish while providing a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors.
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