Pasture-Raised Portuguese Chicken (Tyner Pond Farm Recipe)

This Portuguese-style chicken is simple to prepare and works well baked or grilled. Using pasture-raised chicken ensures a deeper, more natural flavor, and the marinade enhances the rich taste. The recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger batches.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 4 Tyner Pond Farm pasture-raised chicken leg quarters
• Extra sea salt for seasoning

Directions

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1. Make the Marinade – In a blender or food processor, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, 1 teaspoon sea salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken – Use a knife to score the chicken legs a few times to help the marinade penetrate. Place them in a glass container or a resealable bag. Pour about ⅓ cup of the marinade over the chicken, coating well. Season with a little more sea salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. Reserve the rest of the marinade for basting.
3. Bake the Chicken – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish, discarding any excess marinade. Cover with foil.
4. First Bake – Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, then turn the chicken over and baste with the reserved marinade. Re-cover and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Final Bake – Remove the foil and continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Grill Option

For a more traditional flavor, grill the chicken over medium heat for about 35-45 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the reserved marinade until cooked through.

Why Use Pasture-Raised Chicken?

Tyner Pond Farm’s pasture-raised chicken isn’t just about better taste—it’s about better nutrition and better farming. Our chickens live on fresh pasture, moving daily, which means they have a more diverse diet, better health, and a stronger immune system. That translates into richer, more nutrient-dense meat. Serve with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.