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Perfect peri-peri spice level achieved!|Chicken stayed incredibly moist inside!|Marinade made all the difference!|Tastes exactly like restaurant version!|Grilling technique worked brilliantly here!|Kids loved the mild heat!|Prep time totally worth it!|Best homemade chicken ever made!
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Butterfly Chicken Recipe
Learn how to make Nando's famous butterfly chicken recipe at home! This quick and easy recipe shows you how to cook perfectly spiced peri-peri chicken with authentic Portuguese flavors. Simple marinade, amazing results!
Prep
15 mins
Cook
25 mins
Serve
4
Kcal
320
- 1 whole chicken (1.5kg), butterflied
- 60ml olive oil
- 30ml lemon juice
- 15ml white wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf, finely crushed
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 red chilli, finely chopped (or 1/4 tsp chilli flakes)
Step 1
Start by butterflying your chicken if not already done. Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it completely. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear it crack and the chicken lies flat. This technique ensures even cooking and that authentic Nando's presentation.Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Whisk these together until well combined. Add the minced garlic, sweet paprika, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, onion powder, salt, black pepper, crushed bay leaf, brown sugar, and chopped red chilli. Mix thoroughly for about 2 minutes until you have a vibrant, aromatic marinade that captures that distinctive Nando's flavour profile.Step 3
Place the butterflied chicken in a large dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every part is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the meat, paying special attention to getting it under the skin where possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight marination (8-24 hours) will give you the most authentic, deeply flavoured result that Nando's is famous for.Step 4
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or if using an oven, preheat to 200°C. If you have a griddle pan, this works wonderfully too and gives those attractive grill marks.Step 5
Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill or in your heated griddle pan. Cook for 15-20 minutes without moving it, allowing the skin to become golden and crispy. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle that tells you it's cooking properly. The skin should develop those characteristic char marks that give Nando's chicken its distinctive appearance.Step 6
Carefully flip the chicken using tongs, being gentle to avoid tearing the now-crispy skin. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when pierced with a knife, and the meat should feel firm to the touch.Step 7
Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent and flavourful. During this time, you can warm your serving plates and prepare any sides.Step 8
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into portions using a sharp knife. Arrange on serving plates and drizzle with any remaining marinade or pan juices. Serve immediately with your favourite sides like chips, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for that complete Nando's experience at home.
FAQ for
Butterfly Chicken Recipe
What ingredients are used in Butterfly Chicken Recipe from Nando's?
The recipe uses butterflied chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, sweet and smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, cumin, onion powder, salt, black pepper, crushed bay leaf, brown sugar, and red chilli.
How to cook Butterfly Chicken Recipe from Nando's at home?
Learn how to cook Nando's Butterfly Chicken Recipe from Nando's by marinating the butterflied chicken in a spice blend for at least 4 hours, then grilling skin-side down for 15-20 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 75°C and the skin is crispy.
How long should you marinate butterfly chicken for the best flavour?
For the most authentic Nando's flavour, marinate butterfly chicken for at least 4 hours, though overnight marination (8-24 hours) will give you the deepest, most flavourful result that penetrates throughout the meat.
What's the perfect cooking temperature for grilled butterfly chicken?
Cook butterfly chicken on medium-high heat, grilling for 15-20 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 75°C at the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear when pierced with a knife.
What's the secret to achieving crispy skin on butterfly chicken?
Start cooking skin-side down on medium-high heat and don't move the chicken for 15-20 minutes. This allows the skin to develop golden colour and crispy texture with those characteristic char marks.
The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.