Servings: 4 · Prep Time: 10 mins · Cooking Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 60 mins

Dinner

Ok! So one of my 7 children is almost addicted to going to Nando's, whenever he can! Tom adores their Piri Piri Chicken. Like really craves it. Now it appears that the chicken arrives at Nando's already pre-cooked (boiled) and from the experts I have spoken to, it appears they then fry it onsite. Therefore, I suggest you also boil it first (as I do with most of my chicken dishes), then, take it out and marinade it in your sauce. Piri Piri by the way simply means chilli. Some claim this is a Spanish, African or Brazilian dish, but they are all misguided? I have spent lots of time in all three locations and yet I actually believe it originated in Portugal. But who really gives a dam? Can you make it taste like Nando's? Yes you can. And more importantly it will be totally healthy and cost a lot less too!

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breast (4 (or wings, legs))
  • Garlic (2 cloves)
  • Chilli or Chilli Flakes (finely chopped)
  • Red Onion (1 finely chopped)
  • Lemon Zest (1 or 2 tsp)
  • Paprika Powder (1 tsp)
  • Cayenne Powder (1 tsp)
  • Piri Piri Seasoning (1 tsp)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (4 tbsp)
  • Red wine Vinegar (1 tsp)
  • fresh herbs (A couple of tbsp)
  • Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
  • Tabasco sauce (optional)

Making The Sauce

In a blender add the paprika powder, cayenne pepper, piri piri seasoning (if you can find it - Sainsburys do one), extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar. Add some fresh herbs (I love thyme - about one sprig) and squeeze in the juice of one fresh lemon.

Blend everything. If you really love heat add some tabasco sauce or if you love a tangy taste add some Worcestershire Sauce.

Cooking Process

Next either spatchcock a chicken or take your breasts or legs or wings and smear in the sauce. How long do you let it sit after rubbing it? How long do you have? If you only have 5 minutes to let it marinade while your oven heats up, it will still taste great. If you have the time to prepare it in the morning and let it marinade all day even better, but if you can prepare it the day before, the taste will be even more awesome. Effectively, the more hours the better!!


Put in oven at the hottest heat possible for 10 minutes or so, then reduce and roast at 200 degrees, then take out and brush on more oil and return for another 15 minutes.