Chicken Portuguese Recipe

Chicken Portuguese is a delicious and flavorful dish that hails from the beautiful country of Portugal. With its rich history and unique flavors, this recipe has become a staple in Portuguese cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and vibrant vegetables makes for a truly satisfying meal. Trussing the chickens helps to ensure even cooking and a beautifully presented dish.

Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a moment to explore the history and some interesting facts about Chicken Portuguese. Portuguese cuisine is heavily influenced by its maritime history, as Portugal was once a dominant seafaring nation. The flavors of the Mediterranean, Africa, and even Asia blend together to create the diverse and delicious dishes you find in Portugal today.

Fun Fact: The use of bell peppers and chili peppers in this recipe is a nod to the rich flavors brought back by Portuguese explorers from the New World during the Age of Discovery. These peppers became an integral part of Portuguese cooking and are now commonly used in many traditional dishes.

Traditionally, Chicken Portuguese is prepared by trussing two young chickens, which involves tying the bird's legs together and securing the wings against the body. This technique helps the chicken cook evenly while also creating an attractive presentation.

To begin cooking Chicken Portuguese, you will need the following ingredients:

- 2 young chickens
- Rind of a piece of pork
- 4 ounces of butter
- 1 head of celery, chopped
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 small carrots, sliced
- 2 chili peppers, cut up
- 2 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- Thyme
- Few sprigs of sweet herbs
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- Stock or gravy (for moistening)

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Start by trussing the two young chickens as though for roasting. This step ensures that the chickens cook evenly and remain tender throughout the cooking process.

2. In a large stew pan, lay the rind of a piece of pork on the bottom. This will help infuse the dish with a rich and savory flavor.

3. Place the trussed chickens on top of the pork rind in the stew pan.

4. Add the butter, chopped celery, sliced onions, sliced carrots, and cut-up chili peppers to the pan.

5. Next, add the halved bell peppers, making sure to remove the seeds beforehand. The bell peppers will add a vibrant color and a slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

6. Season the chicken and vegetable mixture with salt, cayenne pepper, thyme, and a few sprigs of sweet herbs. These aromatic herbs will add depth and complexity to the flavors of the dish.

7. Cover the stew pan and cook the chicken on high heat for approximately forty minutes. Make sure to moisten the mixture from time to time with a spoonful of stock or gravy to prevent it from drying out.

8. After forty minutes, add the sliced tomatoes to the pan, and continue to cook for an additional twenty minutes. The tomatoes will break down and release their juices, further enhancing the sauce.

9. Once the chickens are cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove the stew pan from the heat.

10. To serve, carefully transfer the trussed chickens to a serving platter, and pour the flavorful sauce over them.

Now, enjoy this delectable Chicken Portuguese with your favorite side dishes, such as rice or roasted potatoes.

Similar to Chicken Portuguese, Portuguese cuisine offers an array of delightful and flavorful dishes. One such dish is Bacalhau à Brás, a traditional codfish dish that combines salted cod with thinly sliced potatoes, eggs, and onions. Another popular Portuguese dish is Caldo Verde, a hearty soup made with kale, potatoes, and linguica sausage.

Throughout Portugal, you will find a variety of regional specialties that showcase the country's diverse culinary heritage. From the famous port wine of Porto to the delectable pastéis de nata of Lisbon, Portuguese cuisine is sure to captivate your taste buds.

So, why not take a culinary journey to Portugal and bring the flavors of Chicken Portuguese and other traditional dishes to your own kitchen? Whether you're a fan of savory stews or mouthwatering seafood, Portuguese cuisine has something to offer everyone. Enjoy the rich flavors, vibrant colors, and warm hospitality that make Portuguese cooking truly special.