You will love my version of homemade Nando's peri peri butterfly chicken. It is wonderfully seasoned, flavorful, tender, and juicy. This is about to become a family favorite.
Why go to Nando's when you can make a better version in your kitchen at a fraction of what you would have paid? Let's do this!
I'm slowly clearing my draft after spending most of the summer holidays with family and friends instead of working. No complaints here; those precious moments are irreplaceable. Now, back to work, it's time for some easy, mouth-watering dinner recipes you'll love
My copycat, Nando's chicken butterfly, should have been shared in the heart of summer, but it's never too late since I made it on the stovetop. That means you can enjoy it at home anytime the craving kicks in without breaking the bank.
One of my favorite dishes at Nandos is their butterfly chicken. When I don't use chicken breasts for this recipe, I swap them for chicken legs. It is an absolute banger! It's mouthwateringly good.
Why you will love my version of Nando's butterfly chicken
- It is budget-friendly, and you spend less time making it. More importantly, it can be made ahead of time. You can marinade the chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours and it can be frozen in the marinade as well.
- This recipe calls for storebought piri piri sauce to reduce prep time significantly. However, if you would rather make your own, check out my homemade Peri Peri sauce from my other food blog, My Active Kitchen.
- Somewhat healthy: Chicken breast is a lean white meat and a great source of protein. Each butterfled chicken has over 40g of protein in it. If you combine that with a low-carb side dish, then you've got yourself a healthy dinner.
Related recipes: Mexican chicken breast and garlic herb chicken
What you will need
2 large chicken breasts
½ cup storebought peri peri sauce: I got mine from Aldi (not an affiliate). You can buy any brand you prefer.
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ Tablespoon smoked paprika: Sub with a regular paprika
2 Tablespoons olive oil: substitute with any other flavorless oil you prefer
Lime wedges to serve
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Nandos butterfly chicken
- Make the marinade for the chicken. Add peri peri sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, coriander powder, oregano, salt and black pepper to a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Butterfly the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut lengthwise along one side of each chicken breast, nearly through to the other side. Open out like a book/butterfly.
- Marinate the chicken: Place your butterflied chicken in the marinade or a Ziploc bag, then pour the mixture over it. Rub the marinade all over the chicken until fully coated. Cover with a plastic bag (cling film) and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Cook on stovetop: Heat a griddle pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Spray or brush olive oil on the pan and once it is hot, place your butterfly chicken onto the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and charred with the griddle pan marks. You will know the chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature registers 74C / 165F.
- Serve and enjoy: Nando's chicken is mostly served with their famous rice or seasoned chips, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or salad.
Watch how to make it
What to serve it with
Butterflied chicken breast can be served as a burger patty. You can use it in a wrap or on its own with salad, coleslaw, or vegetable medley. It can also be served with rice, cubed sweet potatoes, quinoa, or cauli-rice.
Do I have to butterfly the chicken
Well, this is a copycat recipe, and that is how it is done. Moreover, cutting the chicken breast into butterflies will ensure that it cooks faster and evenly.
Can I use chicken cutlets for this recipe
Absolutely. You can use any chicken parts to make this recipe.
How to store
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure to pound the butterflied chicken breasts evenly if need be to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Don't overcook the chicken, as it will dry out. Aim for an internal temperature of 74C / 165F for chicken breast and 170F/76C if using bone-in thighs or legs.
- You can also grill the chicken on a BBQ for added smoky flavor. It can be baked or air-fried as well.
More Fakeaway recipes you will love
Nando's Butterfly Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breast
- ½ cup storebought peri peri sauce
- ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- Lime wedges to serve
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the marinade for the chicken. Add peri peri sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, coriander powder, oregano, salt and black pepper to a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Butterfly the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, cut lengthwise along one side of each chicken breast, nearly through to the other side. Open out like a book/butterfly.
- Marinate the chicken: Place your butterflied chicken in the marinade or a Ziploc bag, then pour the mixture over it. Rub the marinade all over the chicken until fully coated. Cover with a plastic bag (cling film) and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Cook on stovetop: Heat a griddle pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Spray or brush olive oil on the pan and once it is hot, place your butterfly chicken onto the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through and charred with the griddle pan marks. You will know the chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature registers 74C / 165F.
- Serve and enjoy: Nando's chicken is mostly served with their famous rice or seasoned chips, coleslaw, corn on the cob.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
And there you have it, an easy homemade fakeaway recipe you can make at home in no time. As always, if you made this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Kindly rate the recipe 5 stars and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and Facebook and save it to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox every week.
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