Copycat Homemade Nandos: Easy & Delicious Fakeaway Recipes
There’s nothing better than recreating your favorite restaurant meals at home, and this Homemade Nandos Peri-Peri Chicken Rice is the perfect for fakeaway recipes! Imagine juicy, spicy grilled chicken paired with flavorful, aromatic rice—just like you’d get at Nando’s, but even better because you made it yourself. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving a takeaway without the price tag, this dish is a must-try.
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! With simple ingredients and a few spices, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-style meal on your table in no time. Whether you grill, bake, or air fry the chicken, the flavors stay bold and authentic. Pair it with homemade nandos spicy rice and a side of copycat peri-peri sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food—without stepping out of your home.
You can also try Homemade Big Mac Wrap Recipe.
Copycat Homemade Nandos: Easy & Delicious Fakeaway Recipes
CopyCat Homemade Nandos Peri-Peri Chicken Rice with Peri-Peri Sauce
Ingredients
For the Peri-Peri Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp peri-peri sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp lemon juice
For the Spicy Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh coriander (for garnish)
For the Homemade Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce:
- 2 red bell peppers, roasted and peeled
- 2-3 red chilies (adjust for spice level)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peri-Peri Sauce
- Blend roasted bell peppers, red chilies, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, oregano, and sugar until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water.
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp of homemade peri-peri sauce with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best results).
Step 3: Cook the Spicy Rice
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Stir in bell pepper, smoked paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
- Add rinsed rice and mix well, coating it in the spices.
- Pour in chicken stock, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes until rice is cooked. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Oven method: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer method: Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 12-15 minutes, turning once.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the peri-peri chicken over spicy rice.
- Drizzle with extra homemade peri-peri sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon.
Tips for the Best Homemade Nando’s Experience
✔ Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavors.
✔ Adjust the spice level in the sauce to your taste.
✔ Use skin-on chicken for extra crispiness.
✔ Pair with sides like corn on the cob or garlic bread for the full Nando’s experience!
This Homemade Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken Rice with Peri-Peri Sauce is the ultimate fakeaway—packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and budget-friendly. Enjoy your Nando’s night at home! 🔥🍗🍚
Ingredients
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1085kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 48g74%
- Total Carbohydrate 88g30%
- Protein 71g142%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Recipe Notes & Dietary Information
📌 Recipe Notes
✔ Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
✔ Cooking Methods: You can grill, bake, or air fry the chicken—each method gives a slightly different texture but keeps the flavor bold.
✔ Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the chilies and chili flakes in the peri-peri sauce and rice.
✔ Make It in Advance: The peri-peri sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week.
✔ Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled corn, coleslaw, or garlic bread for a full homemade Nando’s experience.
⚠️ Allergies & Dietary Information
- 🌾 Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check the labels of your peri-peri sauce or chicken stock for hidden gluten.
- 🌱 Dairy-Free: There are no dairy ingredients, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant or dairy-free diets.
- 🥜 Nut-Free: No nuts are used, making it safe for nut allergies.
- 🍗 Not Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe contains chicken, but you can substitute it with tofu, mushrooms, or cauliflower for a plant-based version.
- 🥚 Egg-Free: This recipe contains no eggs.
- 🌶️ Spicy Alert: The peri-peri sauce and spicy rice contain chili, so adjust to taste if you’re sensitive to spice.
This Homemade Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken Rice is a great fakeaway option, packed with bold flavors and made with fresh ingredients. Let me know if you need substitutions or modifications to fit your dietary needs! 🍗🔥🍚
Frequently Asked Questions
Nando’s marinates their chicken in a blend of peri-peri (African Bird’s Eye) chilies, garlic, lemon, vinegar, oil, and spices for at least 24 hours, ensuring deep flavor.
The 7 P’s of Nando’s in marketing are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical Evidence, which contribute to its brand success.
Nando’s seasoning typically includes smoked paprika, peri-peri chili, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and lemon zest, giving its signature bold and smoky taste.
Nando’s uses a long marination process, slow cooking, and flame-grilling, which helps retain moisture and flavor while keeping the chicken tender.
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which breaks down proteins, making the chicken extra tender and juicy, while also enhancing flavor absorption.
Nando’s combines flame-grilled cooking, fresh ingredients, and bold peri-peri flavors, creating a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and zestiness.
Use a glass, ceramic, or BPA-free plastic container with a lid, or a resealable plastic bag, ensuring even coating and easy cleanup.
It’s all about the peri-peri marinade, grilling method, and the right balance of spices, which deliver a spicy, smoky, and tangy kick in every bite.