Marrie
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Post on Feb 07, 2025
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Nando's Chicken Recipe: Recreate the Peri-Peri Magic at Home
Craving that fiery, flavorful Nando's chicken but don't want to leave the house? You're in luck! This comprehensive guide will walk you through recreating the iconic Peri-Peri chicken at home. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic, restaurant-quality recipe.
Understanding the Nando's Flavour Profile
The secret to Nando's lies in their signature Peri-Peri sauce. This vibrant sauce is made from African Bird's Eye chilies, also known as piri piri chilies, offering a unique blend of heat and fruity flavor. The intensity of the spice varies, from mild to extra hot, allowing you to customize the heat level to your preference. Beyond the Peri-Peri, Nando's also uses a careful marinade and grilling technique to achieve that characteristically juicy and flavorful chicken.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Nando's Chicken:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks are ideal) are recommended for optimal flavor and juiciness.
- Peri-Peri Sauce: You can buy pre-made Nando's Peri-Peri sauce or make your own (recipe below). Experiment with different heat levels to find your perfect match.
- Marinade: A simple marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs enhances the chicken's flavor and helps it stay moist during cooking.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Seasoning: Salt and black pepper are essential, and you can add other spices to complement the Peri-Peri flavor.
Homemade Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe
This recipe allows you to control the spice level. Adjust the chili quantity to your liking.
Ingredients:
- 10-20 African Bird's Eye chilies (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the chilies: Roast the chilies under the broiler or in a pan until charred. This mellows their flavor and intensifies their sweetness.
- Blend: Combine the roasted chilies, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more chilies for extra heat, or more vinegar for acidity.
- Strain (optional): For a smoother sauce, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.
Nando's Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step
Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Peri-Peri sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Pour in the Peri-Peri sauce and ensure all the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or prepare your grill.
- Cook: If using the oven, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. If grilling, cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the marinade.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your homemade Nando's chicken with your favorite sides, such as:
- Spicy Rice: A flavorful rice dish complements the chicken perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like potatoes, peppers, and onions add color and texture.
- Salad: A fresh salad provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Nando's famous Macho Peas: A simple side dish that adds a nice touch.
Now go ahead and create your own Nando's experience at home! Remember to adjust the spice level to your liking and enjoy the delicious results. Don't forget to share your culinary creations with your friends and family – and let us know how yours turns out!
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