I’d start by introducing this recipe as a flavorful journey into the heart of peri peri chicken, a dish with roots in Portuguese and African culinary traditions.

Spatchcocking, a term that might sound intimidating, simply means removing the backbone of the chicken to flatten it, allowing for more even cooking and quicker marination.

In this step, we’re laying the foundation for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors. By spatchcocking the chicken, we’re not only ensuring even cooking but also creating more surface area for the marinade to work its magic.

This method is not only practical but also enhances the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.

Spatchcocking might sound like a chef’s technique, but fear not—it’s a straightforward process that requires just a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.

Once we’ve removed the backbone and flattened the chicken, we’re ready to dive into the heart of this recipe—the marinade.

With ingredients like garlic, onions, fiery bird’s eye chilies, and a blend of spices, we’re building layers of flavor that will elevate our peri peri chicken to new heights.

Expert Tip: To achieve perfectly crispy skin, consider finishing the chicken under the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Providing tender, succulent meat that absorbs the flavors of the marinade beautifully.
• Oil: Serves as a carrier for the spices and herbs in the marinade, ensuring they coat the chicken evenly.
• Red Onions: Adds a sweet, aromatic depth to the marinade, complementing the heat of the chilies.
• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the marinade with pungent, savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Bird’s Eye Chillies: Delivers fiery heat that sets peri peri chicken apart, providing a tantalizing kick to every bite.
• Tomato Puree: Contributes a rich, tangy sweetness that balances the heat of the chilies.
• Paprika: Intensifies the color and flavor of the marinade, lending a smoky, earthy undertone.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness, rounding out the flavor profile and creating a harmonious balance.
• White Vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens the marinade and helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing citrus zing, cutting through the richness of the marinade.
• Thyme: Infuses the marinade with a subtle, herbaceous aroma, complementing the other flavors.

Expert Tip: When roasting the peri peri chicken, periodically baste it with the juices from the bottom of the pan. This helps to keep the chicken moist and infuses it with even more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Nando’s Spicy Rice: Whip up a batch of Nando’s-inspired spicy rice to accompany your peri peri chicken. Cook fragrant basmati rice with a blend of spices like paprika, garlic, and chili flakes for a fiery kick. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of freshness.

Nando’s Peri Chips: Crispy, golden peri peri chips make the perfect side dish for our flavorful chicken. Simply cut potatoes into wedges, toss them in peri peri seasoning, and bake until golden and crispy. Serve hot alongside your peri peri chicken for a delicious pairing that’s sure to satisfy.

Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred grilled vegetables add a vibrant touch to your meal and complement the spicy flavors of the peri peri chicken. Try grilling colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions until tender and slightly caramelized. Season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a simple yet delicious side dish.

Fresh Salad: Balance out the richness of the peri peri chicken with a crisp, refreshing salad. Toss together your favorite leafy greens, such as mixed lettuce or arugula, with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion slices. Dress with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy avocado dressing for a burst of flavor.

Garlic Bread: Serve up some warm, crusty garlic bread alongside your peri peri chicken for a comforting and indulgent addition to your meal. Simply slice a baguette, brush with garlic-infused butter, and toast until golden brown. The buttery garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy chicken.

Lemon Wedges: Provide fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the peri peri chicken just before serving. The bright acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the dish, enhancing the flavors and adding a refreshing

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the spices and seasonings to fully permeate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is peri peri chicken?

Peri peri chicken can range in spiciness depending on your preference and the number of bird’s eye chilies you use in the marinade. Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your taste for heat.

Can I marinate the chicken for longer than 24 hours?

While marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours enhances the flavor, you can marinate it for a shorter time if needed. Aim for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces will cook faster than a whole chicken.

Can I grill the peri peri chicken instead of roasting it?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F), flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftover peri peri chicken?

Store leftover peri peri chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Nando’s Spicy Rice
• Tandoori Leg of Lamb
• Best Mashed Potatoes
• Chicken Tenders
• Roast Potatoes

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover the exotic, spicy, and delicious experience of making your own Nando’s peri peri chicken at home. Be ready to embark on a culinary journey that's filled with flavour, and guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table. 

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine South African

Servings 2

Calories 1078 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 Chicken Whole
• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 1 Onions Red
• ▢ 6 Garlic Cloves
• ▢ 8 Birds Eye Chillies
• ▢ 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
• ▢ 1 tbsp Paprika
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Sugar Brown
• ▢ 1 tbsp Vinegar White
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ Thyme Handful

Instructions

• First step is to spatchcock the chicken. Turn the chicken breast side down to remove the backbone. Cut either side of the backbone with a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.
• Remove the backbone, then turn the chicken over and push down until you hear a crack.
• Set the chicken aside and then mix all the ingredients into a blender to form the marinade.
• Add half of the marinade and rub the mixture into the chicken on both sides – it is very important that the marinade is spread everywhere to ensure maximum flavour then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, for best results try to leave it for 24 hours.
• Place the marinated chicken onto a roasting tray lined with foil.
• Drizzle the marinated chicken with oil.
• Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) gas mark 4 for 45 minutes – this will depend on the exact size of chicken that is used, and it is important that you adjust the cooking time as necessary,
• Baste the chicken with the juices.
• Allow the peri peri chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
• You can serve this with a side of Nando’s spicy rice or Nando’s peri chips and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 1078kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 72gFat: 81gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 286mgSodium: 1436mgPotassium: 892mgFibre: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 722IUVitamin C: 23mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 76mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Chicken, Food, Grilled, Nandos, Peri Peri, Recipe

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