Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken has garnered a cult following for its bold flavors and fiery kick. If you’re a fan of this mouthwatering dish, why not recreate it in the comfort of your own kitchen? With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy the irresistible taste of Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken right at home. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
For the Peri-Peri Marinade:
- 4-6 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 red chili peppers, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
For the Peri-Peri Sauce (optional):
- Reserved marinade
- Additional lemon juice and red wine vinegar, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped red chili peppers, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, salt, olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Mix well to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the peri-peri marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Grill or Bake: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred in spots. If baking, place the chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through, flipping halfway through.
- Prepare the Peri-Peri Sauce (optional): While the chicken is cooking, transfer the reserved marinade to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a serving platter. Drizzle with the peri-peri sauce, if desired, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips:
- For a milder version of peri-peri chicken, remove the seeds and membranes from the chili peppers before chopping.
- Feel free to customize the marinade by adding other herbs and spices, such as ginger, coriander, or bay leaves, to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the peri-peri chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad, for a complete meal.
With its bold flavors and irresistible heat, homemade Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. So fire up the grill or preheat the oven, and get ready to savor the spice of this iconic dish right in your own kitchen.
