If you’re a fan of bold flavors, juicy chicken, and that unmistakable fiery kick of peri peri, then you’re in for a treat. These Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers bring all the smoky, tangy, and spicy goodness straight to your kitchen. No need for takeout—this homemade version is just as good (if not better!).
The secret? A beautifully balanced peri peri sauce that infuses the chicken with layers of heat, smokiness, and zest. Paired with a creamy Perinaise sauce and fresh toppings, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Trust me, this one’s a must-try!
Why You’ll Love Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, grilling for a backyard gathering, or just treating yourself to a restaurant-quality burger, this dish delivers.
Is this Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers for you? Let’s see. Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers are…
- Smoky, spicy, and packed with flavor. The homemade peri peri sauce gives an authentic taste that’s impossible to resist.
- Juicy and tender. Marinated chicken grilled to perfection ensures every bite is moist and delicious.
- Perfectly balanced. The heat from the sauce is cooled down with a creamy, tangy Perinaise spread.
- Easy to customize. Adjust the spice level, toppings, and even swap chicken thighs for breasts to suit your taste.
- Way better than takeout. No need to hit up Nando’s when you can whip up the real deal at home!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers
Here’s what makes these burgers so special:
For the Peri Peri Sauce (Marinade):
Bird’s Eye Red Chilies: The heat factor! Use more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the spice.
Garlic Cloves: Essential for that bold, aromatic kick.
Vegetable or Canola Oil: Helps blend everything smoothly and infuses the chicken with flavor.
Malt Vinegar: Brings a zesty tang that makes the flavors pop.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep smokiness that makes the peri peri sauce so irresistible.
Dried Oregano: A touch of earthiness rounds out the sauce.
Onion Powder: Enhances the savory notes.
White Sugar: Balances the spice with a hint of sweetness.
Kosher Salt: Essential for flavor depth.
Red Food Coloring (Optional): Just for that signature Nando’s color!
For the Perinaise (Peri Peri Mayo Sauce):
Peri Peri Sauce: The star of the show, giving the mayo a delicious kick.
Whole Egg Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, the perfect base.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adds a slight tang and lightness to balance the spice.
For the Burgers:
Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Juicy, tender, and infused with flavor from the marinade.
Soft Burger Buns: Lightly toasted for the perfect bite.
Tomatoes & Lettuce: Fresh, crisp toppings that add contrast and balance.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
How to Make Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers
Make the Peri Peri Sauce: Blend chilies, bell pepper, garlic, oil, vinegar, paprika, oregano, onion powder, sugar, salt, and red food coloring until smooth. Set aside.
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts or thighs in the peri peri sauce and let them marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better!).
Prepare the Perinaise: In a small bowl, mix Peri Peri Sauce, mayonnaise, and sour cream until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through.
Assemble the Burgers: Spread Perinaise on the toasted buns, add lettuce and tomato slices, and place the grilled chicken on top.
Serve and Enjoy: Dive in while they’re hot and juicy!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Serving Suggestions
Make these burgers even better with the perfect sides:
- Peri Peri Fries: Toss some fries with a sprinkle of peri peri seasoning for the ultimate pairing.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn slathered with butter and a dash of smoked paprika is a must.
- Crunchy Slaw: A tangy slaw adds texture and freshness.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra Perinaise sauce!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Make the peri peri sauce a day in advance to deepen the flavors.
- Adjust the Heat: Use fewer chilies for a milder version or add extra for an extra fiery kick.
- Grill for Extra Flavor: Cooking the chicken over charcoal takes these burgers to the next level.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Double the Batch: This chicken freezes well! Just marinate, freeze, and thaw when ready to cook.
Quick Tips
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Toast the buns for a slight crunch that adds texture to every bite.
- Balance the spice with a sweet and tangy slaw.
Homemade Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers are guaranteed to satisfy your craving for bold, spicy, and ultra-delicious bites. Make them once, and they’ll be a regular in your kitchen trust me, they’re that good!
Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Burgers
Ingredients
- For the Peri Peri Sauce Marinade:
- 1 –3 bird’s eye red chilies 1 for mild, 3 for spicy
- 1 medium red bell pepper cut into chunks
- 5 garlic cloves whole
- 3 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 4 tbsp malt vinegar
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder
- 1 ½ tsp white sugar
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 drops red food coloring optional
- For the Perinaise Peri Peri Mayo Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Peri Peri Sauce from above
- ½ cup whole egg mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or yogurt
- For the Burgers:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 soft burger buns split and lightly toasted
- 2 tomatoes sliced
- Lettuce of choice
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to 1 cm thickness for even cooking. Trim each piece to fit the buns (allow for shrinkage).
- Make Peri Peri Sauce: Blend all Peri Peri Sauce ingredients until smooth using a blender or food processor.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl or ziplock bag, mix ½ cup of the Peri Peri Sauce with the chicken. Marinate for at least 3 hours (or up to 24 hours) in the fridge.
- Make Perinaise: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and 3 tbsp of Peri Peri Sauce. Stir well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat (or brush BBQ grill with oil). Cook chicken breasts for 3 minutes per side (thighs for 4 minutes per side). Adjust heat to prevent burning.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread Perinaise on the bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, grilled chicken, and an extra drizzle of Peri Peri Sauce. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve & Enjoy: Pair with fries or wedges for a complete meal!
Notes
- Adjust spice level by using more or fewer chilies.
- Grill alternative: Can be cooked on an outdoor grill for added smokiness.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
