If you’re craving a burger that bursts with bold, fiery flavor and has a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy notes, let me introduce you to the irresistible Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe. This dish takes the well-loved South African Portuguese peri peri sauce and transforms it into a finger-licking, juicy chicken burger experience. The layers of spicy marinade, tender chicken, and luscious peri-naise make every bite a celebration of vibrant tastes and textures that will have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers will become your go-to treat for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or any time you want a little heat and a lot of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the rich, zesty flavors and satisfying texture of your burgers. From the smokiness of paprika to the spicy kick of the birds eye chilies, every element works together to make the dish truly shine.
- Birds eye red chilies (1 to 3): Adjust the heat level to your taste with these small but mighty chilies.
- Red capsicum / bell pepper: Adds a sweet peppery flavor and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for that pungent, aromatic base flavor.
- Vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the sauce smooth and binds the flavors.
- Malt vinegar: Provides a tangy brightness that balances the spice.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the sauce a deep, smoky undertone—substitute with regular paprika if needed.
- Dried oregano: Brings a warm, herbal note to enhance the marinade.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor (can substitute with garlic powder).
- White sugar: Balances acidity and heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Cooking salt / kosher salt: Vital for seasoning and flavor enhancement.
- Red food colouring (optional): For that iconic vibrant peri peri red color.
- Peri Peri sauce: The star ingredient that packs the spicy punch.
- Whole egg mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the Peri-naise that mellows the heat.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and richness to the Peri-naise mix.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken perfectly to juicy perfection.
- Chicken breasts or thigh fillets: Skinless and boneless, they soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Soft rolls: The perfect soft and slightly toasted bun to hold all that deliciousness.
- Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, juicy layer to the burger.
- Lettuce: Your choice for crispness and a refreshing crunch.
How to Make Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 cm. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy. Trim the pieces so they’re just a bit larger than your burger buns, keeping in mind they’ll shrink by about 20% once cooked. This step gives you that perfect, full burger bite every time.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peri Peri Sauce
Next, toss all the sauce ingredients into a jug and blitz them together using a stick blender or your preferred appliance. Blend until the sauce is silky smooth. This homemade Peri Peri sauce is the flavor powerhouse that infuses the chicken with heat, tang, and a smoky punch that sets these burgers apart.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half a cup of the freshly blended sauce into a bowl or ziplock bag, add your chicken pieces, and coat them evenly. Let them soak up that spicy goodness by marinating in the fridge for at least 3 hours, or for best results, overnight. This slow infusing process is what makes the chicken burst with flavor inside and out.
Step 4: Make the Peri-naise
While the chicken marinates, mix together the whole egg mayonnaise, sour cream, and a few tablespoons of Peri Peri sauce to create the creamy, spicy Peri-naise. This luscious spread will bring a cooling contrast to the fiery chicken, ensuring every bite is balanced and addictive.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken to Perfection
Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat or prepare your BBQ grill. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side if you’re using breasts, or 4 minutes per side for thighs. Don’t be afraid of a little char—it adds a smoky, authentic flavor that elevates your burger immensely. Just adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time locks in juices, making every bite tender and succulent. Meanwhile, you can toast your burger rolls lightly to add a bit of crunch and warmth.
Step 7: Assemble Your Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe
Now for the fun part! Start by spreading a generous layer of Peri-naise on the bottom half of your roll. Layer on crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices, then place the rested, flavorful chicken on top. Smother with a bit more Peri-naise and, if you’re craving more heat, add some extra Peri Peri sauce before topping with the bun. Get ready for a burger experience packed with layers of texture and flavor.
How to Serve Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
A few simple garnishes can elevate your burger even more. Fresh coriander or parsley adds a hint of brightness, sliced red onions bring a bit of sharpness, and a wedge of lime on the side lets you squeeze fresh zestiness over the top. These extras add dimension and personality to your presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Pair these burgers with classic fries or sweet potato wedges for the ultimate indulgence. A crisp green salad or a refreshing coleslaw can balance the spices and add crunch. For a fun twist, try grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime, echoing the peri peri theme perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to wow your guests, serve these chicken burgers open-faced on a wooden board with small bowls of extra Peri Peri sauce and Peri-naise for dipping. You can also stack your burgers with avocado slices or crispy bacon for more texture and flavor contrast. No matter how you choose to present it, the Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe is sure to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken is best consumed within 2 days to enjoy it while still juicy and flavorful. Keeping sauces aside ensures freshness and lets you reassemble burgers without soggy buns.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts or thighs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or placed in a freezer-safe container. For best flavor retention, consume frozen chicken within 2 months. Freeze the Peri Peri sauce and Peri-naise separately if you’re planning ahead, though texture may slightly change upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a low oven or covered skillet on the stove to keep it moist. Avoid the microwave as it can dry out the meat. Warm the sauces separately and reassemble the burgers fresh to preserve that delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, making your Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers even more tender and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly for best results.
How spicy are these burgers?
The heat level depends on how many birds eye chilies you use. One chili will give a mild kick, while three chilies create a moderate spice that excites the palate without overwhelming it. You can easily adjust to suit your spice tolerance.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
You can swap the chicken with grilled halloumi, portobello mushrooms, or marinated tofu for a vegetarian version that still delivers on smoky, spicy flavors reminiscent of the classic Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe.
Can I make the Peri Peri sauce in advance?
Yes! The sauce actually develops deeper flavor after resting, so making it a day ahead and refrigerating in a sealed container is a great idea. Just give it a quick stir before using.
What type of bread works best for these burgers?
Soft rolls or brioche buns are ideal for their light, slightly sweet flavor and soft texture that complements the spicy chicken. Toasting the buns adds a wonderful crunch that helps hold everything together.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe at home—it’s vibrant, juicy, and packed with the kind of bold flavor that makes your taste buds sing. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner. So grab those chilies, get blending, and dive into the delicious world of peri peri. Your new favorite burger awaits!
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Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time of at least 3 hours)
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: South African
Description
Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers are a flavorful and spicy delight inspired by the famous South African chain. Featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a vibrant homemade peri peri sauce and cooked to perfection, these burgers are layered with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a zesty peri-naise sauce on soft toasted rolls. Perfect for a quick yet exciting meal that packs a punch of smoky, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
Peri Peri Sauce
- 1 to 3 birds eye red chilies (1 for very mild, 3 for mildly spicy)
- 1 medium red capsicum / bell pepper, roughly cut into 1.5 cm pieces
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled, whole
- 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 4 tbsp malt vinegar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 3 drops red food colouring (optional)
Peri-naise Sauce
- 3 tbsp Peri Peri Sauce (prepared as above)
- 1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Chicken and Burger Assembly
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or thigh fillets (each large enough for a burger)
- 4 soft rolls, split and lightly toasted if desired
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Lettuce of choice
Instructions
- Prepare chicken breast: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm (0.4 inches) by placing between plastic wrap or freezer bags and gently flattening with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Trim each piece so it is slightly larger than the burger buns to account for 20% shrinkage during cooking.
- Make Peri Peri Sauce: Combine all the Peri Peri Sauce ingredients in a jug or blender container and blitz using a stick blender, food processor, or blender until smooth and well combined.
- Marinate chicken: Pour half a cup of the Peri Peri Sauce into a bowl or ziplock bag, add the chicken breasts or thighs, and turn until fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare Peri-naise sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the prepared Peri Peri Sauce with mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium to medium-high heat or brush and heat a BBQ grill. Add the chicken and cook breasts for 3 minutes per side or thighs for 4 minutes per side, cooking in batches if necessary. Adjust heat as needed to avoid excessive charring; a bit of char adds smoky flavor.
- Rest chicken: Remove cooked chicken from heat onto a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, toast the burger rolls if desired.
- Assemble burgers: Spread the bottom half of each roll with the Peri-naise sauce. Layer with lettuce, sliced tomato, and the cooked chicken. Top with additional Peri-naise and extra Peri Peri Sauce if preferred, then add the top roll and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the number of birds eye chilies in the Peri Peri Sauce to control spiciness; 1 chili results in mild heat, 3 chilies in moderate heat.
- Malt vinegar is used for its unique tangy flavor, but apple cider vinegar can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Red food coloring is optional and used to enhance the vibrant red color of the sauce.
- Chicken thighs will yield juicier burgers whereas breasts are leaner; both work well for this recipe.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain juices for a moist burger.
- Feel free to customize toppings with onions, pickles, or cheese for variety.
