If you love the fiery, flavorful taste of Nando’s chicken but want to recreate it at home, you’re in the right place! Making Nando’s chicken yourself is easier than you think, and it lets you control the spice, ingredients, and cooking style. Whether you want the classic peri-peri flavor or a creamy twist, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering Nando’s chicken right in your kitchen.
What Makes Nando’s Chicken So Special?
Nando’s chicken is famous for its peri-peri marinade, a spicy blend of African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, and herbs. This marinade gives the chicken a signature tangy heat and smoky flavor that keeps fans coming back for more. The key to nailing this dish is the marinade and the cooking method, which locks in juiciness and flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic rundown of the main ingredients for a classic homemade Nando’s peri-peri chicken:
– Chicken thighs or breasts (thighs are juicier)
– Olive oil
– Lemon juice
– Garlic cloves (crushed or minced)
– Paprika
– Chili flakes or bird’s eye chili (adjust to your heat preference)
– Dried oregano
– Fresh parsley (optional)
– Salt and black pepper
You can also use store-bought peri-peri sauce if you want to save time or add extra flavor layers.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Nando’s Chicken at Home
1. Prepare the Marinade
Mix together lemon juice, olive oil, crushed garlic, paprika, chili flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This combination mimics the famous Nando’s peri-peri marinade. For an extra kick, add fresh chopped bird’s eye chili or parsley.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and pour over the marinade. Rub it all over the chicken to coat evenly. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal to really soak up the flavors.
3. Cooking the Chicken
You have a few options here:
– Oven roasting: Preheat your oven to around 220°C (425°F). Place the chicken on a baking tray, leaving space between pieces. Roast for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
– Griddle or skillet: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through.
– BBQ: Perfect for that smoky flavor. Grill the chicken over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
4. Optional Creamy Sauce Finish
For a creamy twist, mix some fresh cream with peri-peri sauce and pour it over the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This creates a rich, spicy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Nando’s Chicken Every Time
– Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat, but breasts or drumsticks work well too.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan or tray; give the chicken space to cook evenly and get that perfect char.
– Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of chili flakes or peri-peri sauce.
– Make your own peri-peri sauce by blending chili, lemon, garlic, vinegar, and oil if you want a fresh homemade version.
– Check doneness by ensuring the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Serving Suggestions
Nando’s chicken is often served with:
– Seasoned chips (fries)
– Corn on the cob
– Coleslaw
– Rice or peri-peri rice
– Fresh salad
These sides complement the spicy chicken perfectly and make for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why Make Nando’s Chicken at Home?
Making Nando’s chicken at home is not only budget-friendly but also lets you customize the spice and ingredients to your liking. You can enjoy the same great flavors without the wait or the extra salt and preservatives found in some restaurant versions. Plus, it’s a fun way to impress family and friends with your cooking skills!
Nando’s chicken is all about bold flavors and juicy, tender meat. With this easy-to-follow guide, you can bring that iconic taste into your kitchen anytime. Enjoy the fiery goodness of homemade Nando’s chicken with your favorite sides and share the love of peri-peri with everyone at your table!