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Chef marinating chicken for churrasco

Name: Brazilian Chicken Churrasco Recipe

Summary: A juicy and flavorful Brazilian grilled chicken recipe, marinated in garlic, lime, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight meals, or festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: bbq
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • For the Chicken:
  • 2 lbs about 1 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Marinade:
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion grated
  • Juice of 2 limes or 3 tbsp white vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked or sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or oregano
  • Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp hot sauce

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Large mixing bowl or resealable bag
  • Grill (charcoal or gas) or oven/air fryer as alternative
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Food processor or mortar and pestle (optional)

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Prep the Chicken: Clean and pat dry chicken. Trim excess fat if necessary.
  3. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine garlic, onion, lime juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and herbs. Mix well.
  4. Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken to a bowl or bag and pour marinade over. Mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.
  5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F). Grill chicken skin-side down for 6–8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve with rice, farofa, and vinagrete.

Notes

Notes:
For a milder flavor, reduce garlic or omit chili flakes.
Oven option: Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes, broil for 5 minutes to crisp skin.
Air fryer option: 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Use fresh herbs for the best taste.
Store leftovers in fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.