Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers

Introduction

Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers are a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken infused with spicy Peri Peri sauce. With a perfect blend of spices and a creamy sauce, these burgers are guaranteed to please. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a friendly barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for many reasons. First, it’s simple to prepare, making it suitable even for beginner cooks. You’ll enjoy mouthwatering flavors that transport you to your favorite restaurant right at home. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to meet your tastes, so everyone can enjoy it!

How to Make Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers

Creating these tasty burgers is as enjoyable as eating them! Just follow the simple steps below to get started.

Ingredients:

1 – 3 birds eye red chilies (1 is very mild, 3 is mildly spicy)
1 medium red capsicum / bell pepper, roughly cut into 1.5cm / 1/2" pieces
5 garlic cloves, peeled, whole
3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil (or other plain flavored oil)
4 tbsp malt vinegar
2 tbsp smoked paprika (substitute regular/sweet paprika)
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp onion powder (substitute garlic powder)
1 1/2 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
3 drops red food coloring (optional)
3 tbsp Peri Peri sauce (prepared earlier)
1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise (or other mayonnaise)
1/4 cup sour cream (or yogurt)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken breasts or chicken thigh fillets, skinless boneless (each large enough for a burger)
4 soft rolls, split and lightly toasted (if desired)
2 tomatoes, sliced
Lettuce of choice

Directions:

Prepare Chicken Breast: If using chicken breast, pound it to an even thickness of 1 cm / 0.4". Trim each piece slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage.
Make Peri Peri Sauce: Place all the sauce ingredients in a jug and blend until smooth using a stick blender or any other blending device.
Marinate Chicken: Pour 1/2 cup of Peri Peri sauce into a bowl or ziplock bag. Add the chicken and make sure it is well coated. Marinate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Prepare Perinaise: Mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and some Peri Peri sauce. Set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium/medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Adjust heat to avoid burning.
Rest: Remove chicken from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy.
Assemble: Spread Perinaise on the bottom of each roll. Add lettuce, tomato, and the cooked chicken. Top with more Perinaise and additional Peri Peri sauce if desired.

How to Serve Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers

Serve these burgers hot, with your favorite side dishes like fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. They are perfect for gatherings and will surely delight your guests!

How to Store Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a pan until warm.

Tips to Make Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers

Always marinate the chicken for maximum flavor.
For a spicier kick, increase the number of chilies used in the sauce.
Toast the rolls to add extra crunch.

Variation

You might enjoy substituting chicken with grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option. Simply marinate the veggies in the Peri Peri sauce and grill them until tender.

FAQs

1. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Peri Peri sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge.

2. What if I don’t have birds eye chilies?
You can use jalapeños or any chili you prefer, adjusting the amount for your desired spice level.

3. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat!