Nandos Popular Piri Piri Chicken Recipe
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Get ready to savor some amazing piri piri chicken, just like you'd find at nandos! This recipe turns chicken drumsticks into crispy, flavor-packed bites thanks to a zesty marinade. Serve them alongside sweet, steamed corn on the cob for a fun and delicious meal perfect for sharing. Your friends and family will love this easy dish that brings a taste of nandos straight to your table!
Tips for Success
• When marinating the chicken, ensure you do so for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply. You can mix the olive oil, garlic, paprika, piri piri seasoning, and chopped chili together to create a marinade.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken drumsticks. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy and not dried out.
• For extra flavor, grill the corn on the cobs alongside the chicken for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Brush the corn with some leftover marinade or olive oil and season with salt to enhance its taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute chicken drumsticks with another cut of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken drumsticks with chicken thighs or chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as breasts may cook faster and thighs may need a bit more time depending on their size.
How should I store leftover piri piri chicken and corn on the cob?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use an air fryer or oven to maintain the texture, or microwave if you're short on time.
What if I don't have an air fryer? Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and bake the marinated drumsticks on a lined baking sheet for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Recommended Drink Pairings
- Chardonnay: This white wine's crisp acidity complements the spiciness of the piri piri seasoning.
- Hefeweizen: The fruity and spicy notes of this wheat beer balance the heat from the chicken.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing choice that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Iced Tea: The slight sweetness and chill of iced tea provide a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
- Ginger Beer: Its spiciness pairs well with the flavors of the dish and adds a refreshing kick.
Ingredients
Equipment:
Directions
- Chop up your corn on the cob into 3rds so that you have 6 equal small pieces. Place it into the steamer basket inside of your Instant Pot with 1 cup of water beneath. Set the lid to sealing and cook for 15 minutes on the steamer button.
- Into your blender place the olive oil, paprika, garlic, bay leafs, parsley and the red chilli. Give them a whizz until it is grainy but not smooth.
- Place your chicken drumsticks onto a clean chopping board. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then using a pastry brush, brush the blender marinade over the chicken drumsticks.
- Place them in the Airfryer in the grill pan and cook for 12 minutes at 180c/356F.
- Remove the corn on the cob from the Instant Pot (when it beeps) using quick pressure release. Place it onto the chopping board and season with salt, pepper and a sprinkling of piri piri seasoning.
- Then cook for a further 3 minutes at 200c/392f on the other side, along with the corn on the cob. This will give them that barbecue well done look.
- Add a small amount of butter to the corn on the cob and serve with the piri piri chicken drumlets.
Adapted from a Recipe by: recipethis.com
