This quick and easy 3 Ingredient Nando's peri peri chicken is so simple – one pot and three (or four) ingredients! Juicy, full of flavor, and solid with rice!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

We love good, quick, and easy ways to make chicken.

Risotto, enchiladas, bacon wrapped chicken- simple, easy preparations for chicken are our absolute favorite! And so are good, spicy, flavorful chicken recipes.

One of our favorite places for spicy chicken has always been Nando's.

While we've seen a ton of peri peri recipes online, we will admit we've been lazy about making our own.

So when we saw Nando's peri peri sauce in our local grocery store- we were so excited, and knew we wanted to make a tasty, simple, one pot chicken at home.

This peri peri chicken can't be easier.

You dump the chicken in a dish and cook- and out comes juicy, flavorful peri peri chicken breasts!

Each serving is under 300 calories and pretty low carb- making this a good, easy, and healthy dinner! Serve with rice or cauliflower “rice” or over crispy roasted potatoes!

We hope you enjoy this chicken as much as we did!

What Is Peri Peri Chicken

Peri Peri chicken is a flavorful and spicy dish that originates from Africa, particularly from Mozambique and Angola, and has been popularized globally by Portuguese cuisine. The dish features chicken marinated in a sauce made from Peri Peri (or Piri Piri) peppers, which are small, fiery chili peppers. The marinade typically includes a blend of garlic, lemon, vinegar, oil, and spices like paprika and oregano, giving the chicken a tangy, spicy, and slightly smoky flavor. The marinated chicken is usually grilled or roasted, resulting in a juicy, tender dish with a vibrant and zesty kick. Peri Peri chicken is often served with sides like rice, fries, or salad, and has become especially popular in places like Portugal and South Africa, as well as internationally through restaurant chains like Nando's.

Is peri peri chicken spicy?

Yes, Peri Peri chicken is typically spicy. The heat comes from Peri Peri (or Piri Piri) peppers, which are small but pack a significant punch. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the recipe and how much of the pepper is used in the marinade. However, Peri Peri chicken is known for its bold, fiery flavor. If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount of Peri Peri pepper in the marinade or balance the heat with more lemon juice or yogurt.

Peri Peri Chicken Ingredients

First assemble the following ingredients:

Chicken breasts (4) – Juicy and tender, chicken breasts are the solid canvas for soaking up the spicy, tangy peri-peri marinade.
Shallots (2) – Finely chopped shallots add a mild, sweet onion flavor that complements the heat of the peri-peri sauce.
Nando's garlic sauce (4 tbsp) – This ready-made sauce brings a bold, garlicky kick that enhances the overall flavor of peri-peri chicken with minimal effort.
Green onions or fresh cilantro – Sliced green onions or fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal freshness, cutting through the spiciness and adding a bright finishing touch to the peri-peri chicken.

How to Make Peri Peri Chicken

Prep. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Score chicken all over so that sauce can sink through the meat as it cooks. Spray a baking sheet or casserole dish with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil, place chicken in dish.
Toss ingredients. Top with diced shallots. Top with sauce, rub all over chicken.
Roast. Pop chicken in the oven and cook until internal temp is 165, about 35 minutes.
Enjoy! Remove and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, serve over rice or crispy baked potatoes.

Kitchen notes

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Coat the chicken in Nando's Garlic Sauce and let it marinate for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

Score the Chicken: Make shallow cuts on the chicken breasts or thighs before marinating to allow the sauce to penetrate more deeply and cook more evenly.

Add Fresh Ingredients: Enhance the Nando's Garlic Sauce by mixing in freshly minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley to give your peri-peri chicken an extra layer of flavor.

Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, mix the Nando's Garlic Sauce with a bit of plain yogurt or mayonnaise to mellow the heat without sacrificing flavor.

Use as a Baste: While grilling or baking, baste the chicken with extra Nando's Garlic Sauce every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and enhance the garlic flavor.

Cook Over High Heat: For that signature peri-peri char, cook the chicken over high heat on a grill or under a broiler. This helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Rest Before Serving: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.

Serve with Extra Sauce: Keep some Nando's Garlic Sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken when serving to maximize the flavor.

Pair with Zesty Sides: Complement the garlic flavors by serving the peri-peri chicken with zesty sides like lemon rice, coleslaw with a citrus vinaigrette, or grilled vegetables.

Garnish for Freshness: before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro over the chicken to add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, garlicky sauce.

FAQ's

Is Peri Peri Chicken Spicy?

Peri-peri chicken can be quite spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted by reducing the amount of chili used or by adding more lemon juice and vinegar to balance the spice. You can also add a bit of sugar or honey to mellow out the heat.

How should we store leftover Peri-Peri sauce?

Store leftover peri-peri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage.

Can we make a vegetarian version of Peri-Peri?

Absolutely! You can use the peri-peri marinade and sauce on vegetables like cauliflower, mushrooms, or tofu. Grill or roast them for a good vegetarian alternative.

Can we make Peri-Peri Chicken with other types of meat?

Yes, the peri-peri marinade and sauce work well with other meats like beef, pork, lamb, or even seafood. Adjust cooking times according to the type of meat used.

Can we make Peri-Peri Chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare and marinate the chicken in advance. You can also cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the grill before serving.

Should we marinate the chicken, and for how long?

Yes, marinating the chicken is essential to infuse it with the peri-peri flavors. Marinate for at least 2-3 hours, but for best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

What is Peri Peri Chicken?

Peri-peri chicken is a spicy, flavorful dish made with a marinade or sauce primarily consisting of African bird's eye chili peppers, garlic, lemon, vinegar, and a mix of herbs and spices. The dish is popular in South African and Portuguese cuisines.

More good One Pot Meals

If you love this Indian inspired dish try Indian Lentil Curry Soup and Paneer Tikka Grilled Paneer and Vegetables. We also love turkey and kielbasa sheet pan bake!

Try these other good fan favorite one pot meals next:

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Ingredients

4 large chicken breasts
2 shallots, diced finely
4 tbsp nando's garlic sauce*
Green onions or fresh cilantro, optional

Method

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Score chicken all over so that sauce can sink through the meat as it cooks.
Spray a baking sheet or casserole dish with nonstick spray, place chicken in dish.
Top with diced shallots.
Top with sauce, rub all over chicken.
Pop chicken in the oven and cook until internal temp is 165, about 35 minutes.
Remove and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, serve over rice or crispy baked potatoes.