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Mild yet full of flavor!|Kids request this every week now!|Perfect balance of spice and tang!|Tastes exactly like Nando's version!|So creamy and addictive!|My grilled chicken's new best friend!|Easier than I expected to make!|Converted my spice-hating husband instantly!
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Peri Tamer Sauce Recipe
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Peri Tamer Sauce Recipe

Make Nando's Peri Tamer sauce at home — exact copycat recipe. Mild, creamy and herb-kissed in under 15 minutes. Perfect for chicken, wings or dipping. Every real ingredient revealed.

Prep

15 mins

Cook

30 mins

Serve

4

Kcal

320
Rate this recipe
★★★★★No ratings yet
<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1.5kg chicken thighs, boneless and skinless</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp brown sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 lemons, juiced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp tomato paste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and black pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)</li></ul>
<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, brown sugar, lemon juice, tomato paste, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and you have a smooth marinade. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-lock bag or a non-reactive container. Pour three-quarters of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest for basting later. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 200°C. If using an oven, line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top - this allows the heat to circulate around the chicken for even cooking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. If grilling, place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C and juices run clear. If baking, arrange the chicken on the wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to give it a glossy, flavorful finish. Be sure to cook for a few more minutes after applying the marinade to ensure food safety.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Serve your Peri Tamer chicken hot, garnished with fresh coriander if desired. This pairs wonderfully with sides like corn on the cob, spicy rice, or a fresh green salad to balance the rich flavors of the chicken. For an authentic Nando's experience, offer extra sauce on the side for dipping.</li></ol>
FAQ for
Peri Tamer Sauce Recipe

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

Nando's Peri Tamer Chicken uses boneless chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, brown sugar, lemon juice, tomato paste, honey, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients create the signature mild yet flavourful marinade.

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

Learn how to cook Peri Tamer Chicken from Nando's by marinating boneless chicken thighs in a flavourful mixture for at least 4 hours, then grilling for 6-7 minutes per side or baking at 200°C for 25-30 minutes. The key is basting with reserved marinade during the final cooking minutes for that authentic finish.

What's the best way to get maximum flavour when marinating chicken for Peri style dishes?

For maximum flavour penetration, score your chicken thighs before marinating and leave them overnight (8-24 hours) in the refrigerator. The acid from the lemon juice and vinegar will help tenderise the meat while allowing the spices to infuse deeply.

Can I adjust the spice level of homemade Portuguese-style chicken?

Absolutely! For a milder flavour, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For extra heat, increase the cayenne or add fresh chillies to the marinade. The beauty of making it at home is customising the spice level exactly to your preference.

What are the best side dishes to serve with spicy marinated chicken?

Traditional sides include spicy rice, corn on the cob, coleslaw, or Portuguese-style chips. For balance, add a fresh green salad or cucumber raita to cool the palate. Garlic bread or peri-peri fries also complement the chicken's bold flavours beautifully.

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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SCHEMA||{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is in Nando's Peri Tamer sauce?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Nando's Peri Tamer sauce contains olive oil, garlic, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, brown sugar, lemon juice, tomato paste, honey and apple cider vinegar. It is the mildest sauce in the Nando's range, with a creamy, herb-forward flavour and just a gentle peri-peri heat."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How do you make Nando's Peri Tamer sauce at home?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"To make Nando's Peri Tamer sauce at home, whisk together olive oil, garlic, paprika, oregano, cayenne, cumin, brown sugar, lemon juice, tomato paste, honey and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Use it as a marinade for at least 4 hours, then grill or bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is Peri Tamer the mildest Nando's sauce?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, Peri Tamer is the mildest sauce in the Nando's range. It is described as mild and sweet with a hint of peri-peri heat. It is perfect for those who want the full Nando's flavour without strong spice."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I use Peri Tamer sauce as a dipping sauce?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, Peri Tamer sauce works well as a dipping sauce for wings, chips and wraps. The mild, creamy flavour makes it versatile — use it as a marinade, a basting sauce during cooking, or serve on the side for dipping."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does homemade Peri Tamer sauce last?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Homemade Peri Tamer sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Always use clean utensils when serving to maintain freshness."}}]}