The Grilled Chicken Burger from Nando's features a juicy, flame-grilled chicken breast topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy peri-peri mayo, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun for a smoky and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Grill (or Chargrill)
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Basting brush
- Bun toaster or skillet
- Plate or tray
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Nando’s PERi-PERi sauce (or similar peri-peri sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon peri-peri sauce (for mayo)
- 1 soft burger bun
- 2 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for even cooking and better flavor absorption when marinating with peri-peri sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure your grill or chargrill is preheated to medium-high for a perfectly seared exterior while maintaining juiciness inside. Mixing peri-peri sauce into mayonnaise creates a creamy, spicy spread that complements the smoky chicken and fresh vegetables. Toasting the burger bun on a skillet or bun toaster adds texture and prevents sogginess when assembling your burger. Your Grilled Chicken Burger from Nando's copycat menu will deliver a smoky, tangy, and delicious experience reminiscent of the original.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pound chicken breast to even thickness.
- In mixing bowl, combine 1 tbsp peri-peri sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken breast in marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken breast 5–7 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with 1 tbsp peri-peri sauce to make peri-peri mayo.
- Toast burger bun on a bun toaster or skillet until golden.
- Spread peri-peri mayo on both bun halves.
- Place lettuce leaves and tomato slices on bun base.
- Top with grilled chicken breast.
- Cover with bun lid.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Grilled Chicken Burger from Nando's copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have access to a grill by using a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet to achieve a similar smoky flavor. Your chicken breast should be pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and to retain juiciness throughout. If peri-peri sauce isn't available, substitute with a mixture of cayenne pepper, lemon juice, and garlic to mimic the signature spicy marinade. Toast the burger bun in a skillet or toaster to add a crisp texture that complements the creamy peri-peri mayo. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption.
Tips
Ensure the chicken breast is pounded evenly to promote uniform cooking and avoid dry spots. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked yet juicy. When basting the chicken on the grill, apply the marinade frequently to enhance flavor and moisture. Toast the burger bun just before assembly to prevent sogginess and maintain a pleasant texture for your grilled chicken burger.
Nutritions
The Grilled Chicken Burger from Nando's offers a balanced mix of protein from the lean chicken breast and healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise enhanced with peri-peri sauce. Your meal provides essential vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C from fresh tomatoes and fiber from lettuce, supporting overall nutrition. The flame-grilling method reduces added fats compared to frying, while smoked paprika contributes antioxidants. This burger is a flavorful option that fits well into a protein-rich, nutrient-dense diet.
Storage
To store your Grilled Chicken Burger, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent contamination. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 1-2 days to ensure freshness and food safety. Avoid freezing the assembled burger, as it may compromise the texture of the fresh lettuce and tomato.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the boneless chicken breast for a thigh fillet to add more juiciness and flavor to your grilled chicken burger. Instead of using a grill, try cooking the chicken on a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to achieve a similar charred effect indoors. For a creamier sauce, mix Greek yogurt with the peri-peri sauce instead of mayonnaise, enhancing the tanginess and lightness of the spread. Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili flakes to your marinade for an extra smoky heat.
Allergies
The Grilled Chicken Burger from Nando's contains common allergens such as eggs and gluten, found in the mayonnaise and soft burger bun, respectively. Your peri-peri mayo may also contain traces of mustard, a potential allergen for some individuals. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to check with Nando's for detailed allergen information before consuming.
Why this recipe?
Nando's Grilled Chicken Burger menu is beloved for its perfectly marinated peri-peri chicken, offering a unique blend of spicy and smoky flavors that set it apart from typical fast-food options. The succulent, flame-grilled chicken breast delivers a juicy texture that pairs excellently with the fresh, crisp toppings and soft bun, creating a satisfying balance in every bite. You'll find it worth trying to make the copycat version because replicating the signature peri-peri marinade allows you to enjoy that iconic Nando's taste anytime at home, customizing spice levels to your preference. This homemade alternative provides a flavorful, healthier option that captures the essence of a popular global favorite.