How to Make Portuguese Spice Blend at Home: Authentic Peri-Peri Seasoning and Easy Chicken Recipes
Table of contents
- Key Takeaways
- Easy Portuguese Chicken Recipe
- What Is Portuguese Spice Blend Used For When Grilling Chicken?
- Versatility Beyond Whole Chicken
- What’s Inside a Traditional Portuguese Spice Blend?
- How to Make Authentic Portuguese Peri-Peri Seasoning at Home
- Best Portuguese Seasoning Substitute
- FAQs
Key Takeaways
What is Portuguese spice blend used for?
Portuguese spice blend, also called peri-peri or tempero português, is primarily used as a marinade or dry rub for grilled chicken. It adds smoky paprika, aromatic herbs, garlic, and mild-to-medium chilli heat to spatchcocked whole chickens, drumsticks, thighs, or skewers, creating the signature Portuguese flame-grilled flavor.
Which dishes commonly use Portuguese seasoning?
It is perfect for frango assado no churrasco (Portuguese BBQ chicken), peri-peri chicken (Nando’s style), chicken espetada (skewers), grilled wings or drumsticks, and rotisserie-style chicken. Its versatility extends to boneless thighs, kabobs, and even roasted vegetables.
What are the key ingredients in authentic Portuguese spice blend?
Typical ingredients include paprika, allspice, bay leaf, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, ginger powder, dried lemon, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, and red bell pepper. These create a complex, aromatic, and slightly tangy flavor profile ideal for grilled or roasted chicken.
How can I make Portuguese spice blend at home?
To make authentic Portuguese peri-peri seasoning at home, mix measured amounts of paprika, allspice, bay leaf, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, ginger powder, dried lemon, nutmeg, oregano, parsley, and red bell pepper. This easy Portuguese chicken seasoning recipe can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container for later use.
How do I prepare an easy Portuguese chicken recipe using the spice blend?
Marinate a spatchcocked whole chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Portuguese spice blend, and salt. Refrigerate for one hour or overnight for best results. Roast at 180°C on a grill for 50 minutes, basting with the marinade regularly until golden brown and cooked through.
What are the best serving suggestions for Portuguese grilled chicken?
Serve with Portuguese-style rice, spicy rice, fresh salads, grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes seasoned with extra spice blend, or crusty bread to soak up the juices. These sides complement the smoky, zesty flavors of the chicken perfectly.
What is the Portuguese seasoning subsititute?
If Portuguese spice blend is unavailable, you can use a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne or red chilli, black pepper, and a pinch of cumin to replicate its smoky, aromatic, and mildly spicy flavor.
Easy Portuguese Chicken Recipe (Using Homemade Seasoning)
Portuguese chicken recipe easy to make
This simple, reliable recipe showcases how Portuguese spice blend transforms a whole chicken into a flavourful, juicy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 tsp Portuguese spice blend
- Salt to taste
Method:
- Split the chicken and open it flat (spatchcock). Remove the backbone by cutting along both sides.
- Place the chicken in a roasting or grilling tray.
- Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, Portuguese spice blend, and salt. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavour, refrigerate overnight.
- Roast or grill at 180°C for about 50 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
- Baste the chicken a few times during cooking to keep it moist and flavourful.
Serving Suggestions
Portuguese grilled chicken pairs with sides that balance its smoky heat and bright citrus flavor. To round out the meal, try serving it with:
- Spicy rice or Portuguese-style rice for a hearty, flavorful base
- A fresh, crisp salad to add lightness and contrast
- Grilled seasonal vegetables to echo the smoky notes of the chicken
- Roasted potatoes tossed with extra spice blend for a bold, comforting side
- Crusty bread to soak up every last drop of those delicious juices
Pro Tips for Best Results:
- Charcoal Makes the Difference: Cooking over charcoal gives the chicken that gentle smoky flavor you just can’t get from other cooking methods. It’s what truly brings the dish to life.
- Save Some Marinade: Before adding your raw chicken, set some marinade aside. This way, you can safely use it for basting while the chicken cooks and later as a sauce. Just remember to simmer it first for food safety.
- Give It Time to Rest: Once the chicken comes off the grill, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This simple step helps the juices settle back into the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.
- Don’t Waste the Drippings: Let those flavorful juices collect while the chicken rests.
What Is Portuguese Spice Blend Used For When Grilling Chicken?
Common Dishes That Use Portuguese Spice Blend
- 1. Portuguese BBQ Seasoning Chicken (Frango no Churrasco) A whole spatchcocked chicken or cut pieces are marinated for 4–24 hours with the spice blend, olive oil, lemon, and garlic, then grilled over charcoal or gas. The long marination allows the paprika and chilli to penetrate deeply while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Traditional Portuguese piri piri seasoning or Peri-Peri Chicken The same Portuguese spice base is used, but the heat is intensified with additional bird’s-eye chillies or peri-peri sauce. This version is popular for its fiery kick and bright citrus-chilli finish.
- Chicken Espetada (Skewered Chicken) A Madeira-style favourite where seasoned chicken pieces are threaded onto large skewers and flame-grilled. This dish is gaining popularity, particularly among home cooks who enjoy charcoal grilling.
- Grilled Chicken Wings and Drumsticks Portuguese seasoning is ideal for fast, weeknight grilling. Portuguese grilled chicken spice rub and oil produces crispy skin, deep colour, and a balanced blend of smoky heat.
- Portuguese Rotisserie Chicken A staple in Portuguese cafés and takeaway shops across the world. The seasoning adds richness and colour as the chicken slowly turns on the spit, allowing the fats to baste the meat continuously.
Versatility Beyond Whole Chicken
Portuguese chicken seasoning is far more versatile than its traditional use on whole, butterflied chickens. Its balanced mix of paprika, garlic, herbs, chilli, and citrus notes makes it a reliable all-purpose grilling blend for a wide range of chicken cuts and cooking methods.
You can use Portuguese spice blend on:
Chicken wings and drumsticks
Ideal for high-heat grilling or air frying. The seasoning creates crisp skin, deep colour, and a smoky, tangy finish.Boneless chicken thighs
Perfect for fast, flavour-packed weeknight meals. The spices caramelise quickly while keeping the meat tender and juicy.Chicken kabobs (skewers)
Excellent for charcoal grilling or the BBQ. The spice blend coats small pieces evenly, giving each bite a bold, aromatic flavour.Rotisserie-style chicken
Whether cooked on an outdoor rotisserie or a home oven setup, the seasoning enhances browning and builds a savoury, slightly spicy crust as the chicken bastes in its own juices.
Why This Spice Blend Works So Well
What makes Portuguese spice blend so effective is its balanced flavour profile. Mostly it is the gentle heat from peri-peri elements, the bright acidity from citrus notes, and the warmth of aromatic spices. This combination creates depth without overwhelming the palate, making it accessible for home cooks while delivering restaurant-quality results.
What’s Inside a Traditional Portuguese Spice Blend?
A classic Portuguese spice blend combines warm aromatics, earthy spices, and mild citrus elements. While recipes vary by region and brand, most blends include a similar core group of ingredients that work together to create its signature flavour.
Portuguese allspice blend ingredients
- Allspice
• Bay leaf
• Black pepper
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Cumin
• Ginger powder
• Dried lemon
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Paprika (often sweet or smoked)
• Parsley
• Red bell pepper
Where to Buy Pure Portuguese peri-peri spice mix online
You can buy Best Portuguese seasoning brand From Amazon
You’ll find several reputable brands offering pre-made blends in both small jars and bulk packs.
CLICK HERE
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How to Make Authentic Portuguese Peri-Peri Seasoning at Home
How to Make an Authentic Portuguese Spice Blend at Home
Making a Portuguese peri-peri spice blend at home is straightforward and allows you to control freshness, heat level, and overall balance. This recipe follows a traditional structure, producing a bold, aromatic seasoning suitable for grilled chicken, kabobs, spatchcocked birds, and oven-roasted dishes. Creating your own easy Portuguese chicken seasoning recipe is straightforward and ensures maximum freshness and flavour. This recipe follows traditional ratios and produces a vibrant, paprika-forward blend suitable for grilling, roasting, or marinating.Authentic Portuguese Spice Blend Recipe (Peri-Peri Style)
Ingredients (weight-based for accuracy):- Allspice – 2g
- Bay leaf – 2g
- Black pepper – 1g
- Cinnamon – 4g
- Cloves – 2g
- Cumin – 4g
- Ginger powder – 3g
- Dried lemon – 4g
- Nutmeg – 2g
- Oregano – 3g
- Paprika – 64g
- Parsley – 4g
- Red bell pepper powder – 5g
Method
- Grind the whole spices If any ingredients are whole, bay leaves, cloves, or allspice then grind them into a fine powder.
- Combine thoroughly Mix all spices in a clean bowl until evenly blended. The high paprika content provides the signature colour and smoky undertone.
- Store correctly Transfer the blend to an airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dark place. For best flavour, use within three months.
- Use as a dry rub or marinade base Mix the seasoning with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, or vinegar to create a Portuguese-style marinade. For dry rubs, apply generously to chicken before grilling or roasting.
Best Portuguese Seasoning Substitute
1. Paprika + Garlic Powder + Oregano + Black Pepper
- 2 parts paprika for warmth and color
- 1 part garlic powder for bold savory flavor
- 1 part oregano for that classic herbal note
- ½ part black pepper for gentle heat
- Optional: a small pinch of chili flakes if you like a little extra kick
2. If You Want a Mild, Herbal Substitute
If you’re looking for a gentler, more herb-forward alternative to Portuguese seasoning, this simple blend works beautifully. Italian seasoning brings in those soft, aromatic herbal notes, while paprika adds the warm color and subtle sweetness that Portuguese flavors are known for.How to Mix It:- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
3. If You Want a Smokier Flavor
If you prefer smoky depth then this simple blend is a fantastic choice. Smoked paprika delivers that rich, fire-kissed flavor, while garlic and onion powders add savory balance. It is especially delicious for grilled meats, stews, and roasted vegetables.How to Mix It:- 1 part smoked paprika for bold smokiness
- 1 part garlic powder for savory richness
- ½ part onion powder for gentle sweetness
4. If You Need a Spicy Substitute
Cajun seasoning gives a great taste when you want a little heat along with bold flavor. Since Cajun blends already contain garlic, paprika, pepper, and herbs, they can duplicate many of the key notes found in Portuguese seasoning.How to Use It:- Choose a mild Cajun seasoning for the closest match.
- If your Cajun blend is on the hot side, simply use a little less to keep the heat from overpowering your dish.
5. If You Want Something Pre-Made
If you want to skip mixing your own spices, a Spanish pimento (smoked paprika) blend is a wonderful ready-made alternative. Mild or bittersweet pimentón closely mirrors the smoky warmth found in Portuguese seasoning, making it an excellent choice for flavorful cooking without extra effort.Why It Works Well: Spanish smoked paprika blends deliver that signature smoky depth that pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, and grilled dishes. It is a simple swap that still keeps your flavors authentic and bold.6. If You’re Cooking Seafood
When seafood is on the menu, this bright and aromatic blend is a perfect match. Portuguese seafood dishes often lean on citrus and herbs for freshness, and this simple mix captures that blend beautifully.How to Mix It:- 1 part lemon pepper for zesty citrus flavor
- 1 part paprika for gentle warmth and color
- ½ part oregano for a soft herbal finish
FAQs
Can Portuguese spice blend be used for meats other than chicken?
Yes. While it’s most popular for chicken, Portuguese spice blend works beautifully on shrimp, fish, pork, and even vegetables, adding a smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor that enhances grilling, roasting, or pan-frying.
How long should I marinate chicken with Portuguese spice blend?
For best results, marinate chicken for at least one hour. For deeper flavor, refrigerate overnight. Longer marination allows the spices, garlic, and citrus to penetrate the meat fully, ensuring juicy and flavorful results.
Is Portuguese spice blend spicy?
Portuguese spice blend typically has mild-to-medium heat from chilli or peri-peri elements. The spice level can be adjusted according to taste by adding extra bird’s-eye chillies or cayenne powder without affecting its aromatic flavor profile.
Can I make Portuguese spice blend ahead of time?
Absolutely. Homemade Portuguese spice blend can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for several months. This makes it convenient for quick weeknight grilling or roasting.
What is the difference between peri-peri seasoning and Portuguese spice blend?
Peri-peri seasoning is a subset of Portuguese spice blends that focuses on chilli heat, typically bird’s-eye chilli, combined with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Portuguese spice blend is broader, balancing smoky paprika, allspice, and other aromatic spices, and can be milder or hotter depending on preference.
Can I use Portuguese spice blend for rotisserie chicken at home?
Yes. Apply the blend as a rub or marinade for rotisserie chicken. Its balanced combination of aromatic spices and mild heat creates tender, flavorful meat with a golden, charred exterior, mimicking traditional Portuguese rotisserie styles.
Are there vegetarian uses for Portuguese spice blend?
Definitely. It can enhance roasted vegetables, tofu, grilled paneer, or legumes. The smoky, garlicky, and mildly spicy flavor adds depth to plant-based dishes without overpowering them.
What’s the best side dish to serve with Portuguese grilled chicken?
Classic accompaniments include Portuguese-style rice, spicy rice, grilled vegetables, fresh salads, roasted potatoes with extra spices, or crusty bread. These sides complement the smoky, tangy, and aromatic profile of the chicken perfectly.
What is the best substitute if I don’t have Portuguese spice blend?
A simple substitute can be made using smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne or red chilli, and a pinch of cumin. This mix approximates the flavor profile of the traditional Portuguese seasoning.
Can I adjust the heat in my Portuguese chicken recipe?
Yes. Heat can be increased by adding more bird’s-eye chillies, cayenne, or peri-peri sauce. Conversely, reduce chilli content for a milder, family-friendly version without compromising the signature aromatic and smoky flavor.
