Craving that signature Nando’s flavor without stepping out of your home? This homemade peri-peri chicken recipe delivers the zesty, spicy goodness you adore in a quick and easy fakeaway. Perfect for a casual dinner with friends or a weekend treat, this dish brings the vibrant flavors of South Africa right to your kitchen.

Imagine succulent chicken marinated in a tangy peri-peri sauce that’s a delightful mix of spices and heat. Each bite is bursting with flavor, whether you decide to grill, bake, or fry it. Plus, the ingredients are straightforward, so you can whip it up without any hassle.

This recipe is all about enjoying bold tastes with minimal effort. You can customize the heat level to suit your palate, and serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that rivals the restaurant experience.

Understanding Peri-Peri Chicken

Peri-peri chicken is a dish that brings a world of flavors to your dining table, rooted in a rich cultural heritage from South Africa. The essence of this dish lies in its vibrant, spicy marinade, which is typically made from African bird’s eye chili, garlic, lemon, and various spices.

This combination results in chicken that is not only flavorful but also tender and juicy. The way the marinade clings to the chicken ensures each bite is bursting with zesty goodness, making it a popular choice for gatherings, casual dinners, or even a delightful weekend treat.

The Art of Marinating

Marinating is a crucial step in achieving the full potential of peri-peri chicken. By allowing the chicken thighs to soak in the spicy marinade, you enable the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.

A good marinade is balanced with acidity, heat, and aromatics. The inclusion of lemon juice and garlic not only enhances flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and succulent during cooking.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Thighs

When it comes to cooking peri-peri chicken, there are a few methods to choose from, each offering a unique result. Grilling is a favorite, as it imparts a smoky flavor and crispy skin while maintaining juicy meat.

Alternatively, baking offers a hands-off approach and can be just as delicious. Whichever method you choose, the goal remains the same: achieve a beautifully browned exterior that contrasts with the tender interior, all while ensuring the peri-peri sauce remains a highlight.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing peri-peri chicken with the right sides can elevate the entire meal experience. Consider serving it alongside crispy fries, which are perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce, or a fresh salad that adds a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.

Coleslaw also makes a delightful accompaniment, providing a crunchy texture and balancing the heat with its creamy dressing. Feel free to mix and match sides based on your preferences, as this dish pairs well with various options.

Garnishing for Presentation

Garnishing is an essential aspect of serving peri-peri chicken that enhances visual appeal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a hint of freshness that complements the dish beautifully.

Consider plating the chicken in a way that showcases its golden-brown, glazed exterior, perhaps alongside vibrant sides on a rustic wooden table. This presentation invites diners to dive into a home-cooked meal that’s bursting with flavors.

Enjoying the Experience

The experience of enjoying homemade peri-peri chicken goes beyond just the taste. It’s about gathering friends and family around the table, sharing stories, and indulging in a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

As you savor each bite, the warmth of the spices and the love put into the cooking process will resonate, making this dish a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Delicious Nando’s Style Peri-Peri Chicken

This peri-peri chicken is flavorful and spicy, with a smoky, herby profile that creates a satisfying dining experience. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful kick, making it juicy and tender, while the crispy skin adds a nice texture.

Serve it with sides like rice, coleslaw, or fries to soak up the delicious peri-peri sauce, making it a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1/4 cup peri-peri sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine peri-peri sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If grilling, cook the chicken skin-side down for about 6-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If baking, arrange chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until cooked through.
4. Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 4g