Peri-Peri Chicken Wings from Nando's feature tender, juicy chicken wings marinated in a fiery blend of African bird's eye chili, garlic, lemon, and spices, grilled to perfection with a smoky, vibrant red glaze that delivers a bold and spicy flavor burst.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Garlic press
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Baking tray (optional, for oven finishing)
- Basting brush
- Resealable plastic bag or container (for marinating)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken wings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons bird’s eye chili (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Fresh or dried bird's eye chili significantly impacts the heat level and authenticity of the peri-peri marinade, so choose based on your spice tolerance and availability. Using fresh lemon juice ensures a bright citrus flavor that balances the spice and adds tenderness to the chicken wings. Smoked paprika provides a deep, smoky undertone that complements the fiery cayenne pepper for a well-rounded profile. Proper measurement of salt and spices is crucial to achieve the signature Nando's flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Your peri-peri chicken wings will capture the bold, spicy essence of Nando's copycat menu when these key ingredients are balanced correctly.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Pat chicken wings dry with paper towels.
- Separate wingettes and drumettes if desired.
- Peel and mince garlic cloves (use garlic press if available).
- Zest and juice the lemon.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, bird’s eye chili, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, red wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Whisk marinade until thoroughly mixed.
- Place chicken wings in a resealable plastic bag or container.
- Pour marinade over wings and mix to coat evenly.
- Seal and marinate wings in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove wings from marinade and shake off excess.
- (Optional) Reserve some marinade for basting (boil briefly if using on cooked wings).
- Place wings on grill.
- Cook wings for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs and basting if desired, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- (Optional) For crispier wings, transfer to baking tray and finish under broiler for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Transfer wings to a serving platter.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Peri-Peri Chicken Wings from Nando's copycat menu can be customized by adjusting the type of chili used; if bird's eye chili is unavailable, substitute with other hot peppers like serrano or cayenne for a similar heat level. Fresh garlic can be swapped for garlic powder in a pinch, though it will result in a slightly different flavor profile. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can finish the wings in the oven on a baking tray at high heat to achieve a crispy exterior. Marinating the wings longer than 2 hours, ideally overnight, enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness. Make sure to reserve some marinade for basting while cooking to keep your wings juicy and flavorful.
Tips
Ensure you pat the chicken wings dry before marinating as excess moisture can prevent the marinade from properly adhering to the meat, affecting flavor absorption. Marinate your wings for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow the bird's eye chili, garlic, and spices to deeply infuse the chicken. When grilling, maintain a medium-high heat and turn wings regularly using tongs to achieve even cooking and avoid burning. If you choose to baste with reserved marinade, make sure to boil it first to eliminate any raw chicken bacteria and protect your health.
Nutritions
Peri-Peri Chicken Wings from Nando's provide a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth, with approximately 30 grams per 6-ounce serving. The marinade includes olive oil supplying healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while bird's eye chili and cayenne pepper add capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and reduce inflammation. Lemon juice contributes vitamin C, supporting immune function, and the herbs add trace minerals and antioxidants without additional calories. Your meal offers a flavorful balance of macronutrients and micronutrients, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Storage
Store marinated Peri-Peri chicken wings in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in your refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor while maintaining freshness. Cooked wings can be kept in a sealed container and refrigerated for 3 to 4 days, ensuring you heat them thoroughly before serving. For longer storage, freeze cooked wings in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will retain quality for up to 2 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute bird's eye chili with cayenne flakes or chipotle powder to adjust the heat level while keeping the smoky flavor profile. Swap red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar or lime juice to introduce a different acidic tang to the marinade. For a sweeter glaze, replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup, which also adds a subtle caramelized finish when grilled. If a grill is unavailable, finishing the wings in a hot oven broiler with a baking tray ensures a crispy texture similar to grilling.
Allergies
Peri-Peri Chicken Wings contain common allergens such as garlic, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals, and lemon, a citrus fruit that may trigger allergies or intolerances. The presence of spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bird's eye chili can also cause irritation or allergic responses in some people. You should consult ingredient lists carefully and consider possible cross-reactivity if you have known sensitivities to any herbs, spices, or citrus fruits.
Why this recipe?
Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken Wings are loved for their unique blend of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors derived from African bird's eye chili and a secret marinade recipe. The wings offer a perfect balance of heat and zest that tantalizes taste buds, making them a go-to choice for spicy food enthusiasts. Your homemade copycat version lets you control ingredient quality and spice levels, ensuring a fresh and customized taste experience. Recreating Nando's signature dish at home allows you to enjoy the iconic Peri-Peri flavor anytime, impressing friends and family with authentic, mouthwatering wings.