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Perfect spice level, addictively good!|Marinade makes all the difference!|Tastes like the real thing!|Juicy inside, crispy charred outside!|Family begged for seconds immediately!|Peri-peri flavor spot on!|Better than takeout version honestly!|So simple yet incredibly flavorful!
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Peri-Peri Chicken Recipe

Master how to make authentic Nando's-style peri-peri chicken at home with this quick and easy recipe. The secret lies in the spicy marinade and flame-grilling technique that creates that signature smoky flavor and juicy texture that's ready to spice up your dinner rotation.

Prep

20 mins

Cook

45 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

450
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5kg chicken thighs, boneless and skinless</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml peri-peri sauce (medium or hot, depending on preference)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp red wine vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh coriander, chopped, for garnish</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large bowl, combine the peri-peri sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth marinade.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands (wear gloves if preferred), massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for the most flavorful results.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, reserving any excess marinade. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well-charred on the outside and completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C). If you're using a meat thermometer, stick it into the thickest part of the chicken.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This will be your basting sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reduced marinade to give it an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish. Be generous with the basting – this is what gives Nando's chicken its signature sticky, spicy exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped coriander and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. This Nando's-style chicken pairs perfectly with spicy rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh side salad. For an authentic experience, serve with additional peri-peri sauce on the side for dipping.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Peri-Peri Chicken Recipe

What ingredients are used in Peri-Peri Chicken from Nando's?

Nando's-style Peri-Peri Chicken uses boneless chicken thighs, peri-peri sauce, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. It's served with lemon wedges and fresh coriander.

How to cook Peri-Peri Chicken from Nando's at home?

Learn how to cook Peri-Peri Chicken from Nando's by marinating chicken thighs in a spicy peri-peri sauce mixture overnight, then grilling until charred and juicy. The key is to baste the chicken with reduced marinade during cooking to achieve that signature sticky, spicy exterior that makes Nando's chicken so irresistible.

What's the best way to achieve that authentic chargrilled flavour for peri-peri chicken?

For authentic chargrilled flavour, use a proper barbecue grill if possible. If cooking indoors, a griddle pan works well. Ensure your cooking surface is very hot before adding the chicken, and don't move the pieces too much to get those distinctive char marks.

How spicy should authentic peri-peri chicken be?

Authentic peri-peri chicken has a variable heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing mild, medium or hot peri-peri sauce and modifying the amount of cayenne pepper. For a true Nando's experience, medium heat offers a good balance of flavour and spice.

Can you prepare peri-peri chicken in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavour. You can even grill it ahead of time and reheat at 180°C for 15 minutes before serving. For best results, reserve some marinade to brush over the chicken before reheating.

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.
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Whisk everything together until you have a smooth marinade." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Marinate chicken", "text": "Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands (wear gloves if preferred), massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for the most flavorful results." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare for cooking", "text": "When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Grill chicken", "text": "Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill, reserving any excess marinade. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is well-charred on the outside and completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C)." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare basting sauce", "text": "While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This will be your basting sauce." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Baste chicken", "text": "During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the chicken with the reduced marinade to give it an extra layer of flavor and a glossy finish. Be generous with the basting – this is what gives Nando's chicken its signature sticky, spicy exterior." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Rest chicken", "text": "Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Garnish and serve", "text": "Sprinkle the chicken with freshly chopped coriander and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over. This Nando's-style chicken pairs perfectly with spicy rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh side salad." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sanjay Patel", "datePublished": "2024-05-02", "reviewBody": "This recipe is absolutely spot on! The marinade creates that authentic Nando's flavor I've been trying to recreate for years. My family couldn't believe it wasn't takeaway!", "name": "Authentic Flavor", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2024-05-05", "reviewBody": "Made this for a weekend barbecue and everyone was impressed. The overnight marinating is definitely worth it - the chicken was so tender and flavorful. Will be making this again!", "name": "BBQ Showstopper", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Lars Johansson", "datePublished": "2024-05-08", "reviewBody": "The perfect balance of heat and flavor. I used the hot peri-peri sauce and it was spicy but not overwhelming. The basting technique really does give it that signature Nando's glaze.", "name": "Perfect Spice Level", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Chen", "datePublished": "2024-05-10", "reviewBody": "As someone who loves Nando's but can't eat out often, this recipe is a game changer! I've made it three times already and it tastes just like the restaurant version, if not better!", "name": "Better Than Restaurant", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ahmed Nasser", "datePublished": "2024-05-12", "reviewBody": "The marinade is absolutely delicious and versatile. I've used it on chicken breasts and even tofu for my vegetarian partner. The detailed instructions made it easy to get that signature charred exterior. A new weekly favorite!", "name": "Versatile Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ], "url": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/nandos-peri-peri-chicken-recipe" }
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