If there’s one thing South Africans love, it’s Nando’s and a good hit of spice! This Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken, brings together the bold, fiery flavours we all know and love—but with a delicious creamy twist.
The juicy, oven-roasted chicken is marinated in garlic, herbs, and peri-peri spices, then slow-roasted until golden. The crispy potato wedges soak up all those smoky, buttery juices, and finally, everything is smothered in a rich, creamy peri-peri sauce for the ultimate flavour explosion.
Whether you’re craving a homemade version of Nando’s or just love spicy, comforting food, this dish is an easy one-pan meal that brings restaurant-quality flavours straight to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken Recipe
✔ Nando’s-Style Chicken at Home! – Get that classic peri-peri flavour with a creamy, homemade twist.
✔ Juicy, Oven-Roasted Chicken – Perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and peri-peri spices.
✔ Crispy, Buttery Potatoes – Roasted in the same pan for maximum flavour.
✔ Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce – Spicy, tangy, and indulgent!
✔ Easy One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup, maximum taste.
✔ Perfect for South Africans Who Love Spicy Food!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(See full recipe card below for exact measurements.)
For the Chicken & Potatoes:
4 Chicken Leg Quarters – Bone-in, skin-on for the best flavour.
3-4 Potatoes (Sliced into Thick Wedges) – Crispy on the outside, soft inside.
Olive Oil & Butter – Adds richness and helps crisp the potatoes.
Dried Parsley, Garlic & Herb Spice, Chicken Spice – A bold seasoning mix.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances all the flavours.
Fresh Thyme – Infuses the chicken with earthy, aromatic notes.
For the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce:
1/3 cup Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and tang.
3 tbsp Peri-Peri Sauce – Use your favourite brand for the perfect heat level.
1 tsp Paprika – Adds smokiness.
1 tsp Garlic & Herb Seasoning – Extra layers of flavour.
1 tsp Italian Herbs – A classic blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
1/2 cup Cream – Makes the sauce velvety and indulgent.
✅ Pro Tip: Want it extra spicy? Add an extra tablespoon of peri-peri sauce!
How to Make Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken
Prep the Chicken & Potatoes
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, dried parsley, garlic & herb spice, chicken spice, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken leg quarters and place them in a casserole dish.
4. Scatter fresh thyme sprigs over the chicken for added aroma.
Roast the Potatoes & Chicken
5. Arrange the potato wedges around the chicken in the casserole dish.
6. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and dot with butter.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is golden and nearly cooked through.
Make the Creamy Peri-Peri Sauce
8. While the chicken roasts, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small saucepan:
• Mayonnaise, peri-peri sauce, paprika, garlic & herb seasoning, Italian herbs, and cream.
9. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined.
Assemble & Finish Baking
10. After 45 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Pour the creamy peri-peri sauce over the chicken.
11. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and soak into the chicken.
Serve & Enjoy Your Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken
12. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with Portuguese rolls and crunchy coleslaw.
13. Scoop up that creamy sauce with the rolls, and enjoy every bite!
✅ Pro Tip: Want extra crispy potatoes? Remove the chicken after baking and grill the potatoes for 5 minutes!
What to Serve with This Nando’s-Style Dish
Portuguese Rolls – Just like at Nando’s, perfect for soaking up sauce!
Coleslaw – A fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness.
Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Veggies – A great veggie side option.
Spicy Rice – If you want the full Nando’s experience!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The chicken freezes well! Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. (Potatoes may soften slightly.)
• Reheating: Warm in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or microwave until heated through.
✅ Make-Ahead Tip: The peri-peri sauce can be made in advanceand stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is This Dish Spicy?
Yes! But you can adjust the spice level by using a mild peri-peri sauce or adding extra if you love heat.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes! However, chicken breasts cook faster, so reduce the initial baking time to 30 minutes before adding the sauce.
What Other Potatoes Can I Use?
✔ Baby Potatoes (Halved) – More bite-sized but just as delicious.
✔ Sweet Potatoes – For a slightly sweet, creamy contrast.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Swap the cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Nando’s-Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken is full of bold South African flavours. Whether you’re recreating your favourite takeaway at home or simply love spicy, saucy chicken, this dish is a must-try.
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to me on Instagram, click here for my Insta link —I’d love to see your version!
Watch the video below for the Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken
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Nando’s Inspired Peri-Peri Chicken – Quick One Pan Meal
Inspired by the famous Nando’s peri-peri chicken, this Creamy Peri-Peri Chicken & Potato Bake brings the bold, fiery flavours we all know and love—but with a delicious creamy twist.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200 Degrees Celsius
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In an oven proof pan/ casserole, add the spices and herbs with the olive oil and mix well
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Place the chicken in the casserole and brush the herby mixture on the chicken leg quarters
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Place the potatoes in the casserole and season
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Add blobs of butter and pop into a preheated oven on 200 degrees Celsius for about 35- 40 minutes.
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Meanwhile make the sauce by combining all the ingredients listed in a saucepan and heating on medium the stovetop until combined, about 4 -5 minutes- simmer gently
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Remove the chicken after 40 minutes
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Lower the oven temperature to 180 Degrees Celsius
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Pour the sauce over the chicken and potatoes and pop back into the oven for 10 minutes.
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Serve with Portuguese rolls and coleslaw.
My all time favourite! Such a treat , delicious. Definitely recommend this to all my friends and family.