Nando’s Copycat Recipe: Recreate Signature PERi-PERi Chicken in Your Kitchen

Craving the fiery kick of Nando’s PERi-PERi chicken but don’t want to make a trip to the restaurant? I’ve got you covered. Recreating that signature flavor at home is easier than you might think.

Nando’s has built its reputation on its unique blend of spices and perfectly grilled chicken, inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Portugal and Africa. The secret lies in their PERi-PERi sauce – a zesty mix that delivers both heat and depth.

With this copycat recipe, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of Nando’s right in your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and bring that beloved flavor to your next meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken:

• 8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

• PERi-PERi Marinade:

• 3 tablespoons PERi-PERi sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Tools and Equipment

To achieve that authentic Nando’s PERi-PERi flavor, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Grilling Essentials

• Gas or Charcoal Grill: A good-quality grill ensures even cooking and those perfect char marks.
• Grill Tongs: For handling the chicken safely and efficiently on the grill.
• Basting Brush: To apply the PERi-PERi marinade evenly.

Marinating Tools

• Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining and marinating the chicken with the PERi-PERi sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurement of spices and liquids in the marinade.
• Whisk: To blend the marinade ingredients thoroughly.

Preparation Equipment

• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for prepping the chicken and herbs.
• Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping garlic, parsley, and other ingredients.
• Plastic Zip-Top Bags: Handy for marinating the chicken evenly and storing any leftovers.

Cooking Accessories

• Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Aluminum Foil: Useful for covering the grill or resting the chicken after cooking.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken without piercing it, keeping juices intact.

Serving Tools

• Serving Platter: A beautiful platter to present your PERi-PERi chicken.
• Fresh Parsley Chopper: For garnishing and adding a fresh touch to your dish.

Optional Extras

Having these tools on hand will streamline the cooking process and help you recreate Nando’s PERi-PERi chicken with ease and precision. Let’s move on to prepping the chicken for that signature flavor.

Directions

Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of PERi-PERi sauce, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of one lemon.
2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Whisk all the ingredients together until well blended. Your marinade is ready!

Marinate the Chicken

1. Place 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs into the bowl with the marinade. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat while the chicken marinates.

Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to bring the flavors together by cooking the marinated chicken. Choose between grilling for that authentic smoky taste or baking for a tender and juicy result.

Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°F.
2. Oil the Grates: Use a paper towel dipped in olive oil to lightly oil the grill grates, preventing the chicken from sticking.
3. Place the Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs skin side down on the grill.
4. Grill the First Side: Cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the grates.
5. Flip and Sauce: Turn the chicken thighs over and brush them with additional PERi-PERi sauce.
6. Cook Until Done: Grill for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the rack, skin side up.
4. Bake the Chicken: Cook in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
5. Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Make the Peri-Peri Sauce

Crafting the perfect PERi-PERi sauce is essential for authentic Nando’s flavor. Let’s dive into creating this vibrant and spicy sauce.

Prepare the Ingredients

• 4 red chili peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar

Blend the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped red chili peppers, garlic cloves, and red bell pepper into a blender.
2. Add Liquids: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and white vinegar.
3. Incorporate Oils and Spices: Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture. Add smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed until the sauce achieves a smooth and cohesive texture.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
6. Store the Sauce: Transfer the PERi-PERi sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This vibrant PERi-PERi sauce will infuse your chicken with the signature zesty and spicy flavors reminiscent of Nando’s renowned dishes.

Assemble and Serve

1. Rest the Chicken

Once your chicken thighs have finished cooking, remove them from the grill or oven. Place the pieces on a clean cutting board or a large serving platter. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This step ensures the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful.

1. Garnish with Fresh Parsley

Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley over the rested chicken. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the smoky PERi-PERi flavors.

1. Drizzle Extra PERi-PERi Sauce

For an added kick, drizzle additional PERi-PERi sauce over the chicken thighs. This enhances the zesty heat and ensures each piece is beautifully coated. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

1. Prepare the Serving Platter

Arrange the chicken thighs neatly on the serving platter, skin side up to showcase their crispy texture. Make sure the pieces are evenly spaced to allow the garnishes and sauces to shine.

1. Add Accompaniments

Surround the chicken with your favorite side dishes. Classic options include:

• Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions add a sweet contrast.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Coleslaw: Provides a crunchy and tangy balance.

1. Final Touches

Add a slice of lemon on the side for an extra burst of citrus if desired. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds an appealing visual element to your dish.

1. Serve Hot

Bring the platter to the table immediately while the chicken is still warm. Encourage everyone to dig in and enjoy the authentic Nando’s PERi-PERi experience at home.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your Nando’s Copycat PERi-PERi chicken ahead of time ensures a richer flavor and a smoother cooking process. Here’s how I like to get everything ready in advance:

Prepare the PERi-PERi Sauce Early

Making the PERi-PERi sauce a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

1. Blend the Sauce:

Combine red chili peppers, garlic, red bell pepper, lemon juice, white vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth.

1. Adjust Seasoning:

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lemon juice for acidity or extra red pepper flakes for heat.

1. Refrigerate:

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This resting period enhances the depth of flavors.

Marinate the Chicken in Advance

Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the PERi-PERi flavor infusion.

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of PERi-PERi sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Add the 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

1. Refrigerate:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the chicken thoroughly.

Organize Your Tools and Ingredients

Having everything ready before cooking makes the process seamless.

1. Gather Equipment:

• Gas or charcoal grill
• Grill tongs
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and whisk

1. Prepare Ingredients:

• Chop fresh parsley for garnish.
• Slice lemons for serving.
• Prepare any side dishes you plan to serve, such as grilled vegetables or coleslaw.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your make-ahead preparations stay fresh.

Conclusion

Bringing Nando’s PERi-PERi chicken to my kitchen was such a rewarding experience. The flavors are just as vibrant and satisfying as I remember from the restaurant.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and impress your friends and family. Happy grilling!