Nando's-Style Peri-Peri Chicken
This clean version replaces industrial seed oils and refined sugars with nutrient-dense avocado oil and organic honey for a heart-healthy spicy kick.
- Cuisine Portuguese
- Course Main
- Prep 20 min
- Cook 30 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs organic chicken thighs, skinless
- 3 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves organic garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger root, grated
- 2 birds eye chilies, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 organic lemon
- Juice of 1 organic orange
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp organic honey
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
- Canola or Soybean oil → Avocado oil — Eliminates inflammatory omega-6 rich industrial seed oils.
- Refined white sugar → Organic honey — Provides natural sweetness without the blood sugar spikes of processed sugar.
- Artificial chili extracts → Fresh birds eye chilies — Uses whole-food heat instead of chemical additives.
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic, ginger, chilies, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and honey.
- Place chicken in the marinade mixture, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated; refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excessive liquid.
- Grill or roast the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (approximately 20-25 minutes depending on size).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain moisture.
FAQ
Is this Nando's-Style Peri-Peri Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily; reduce cooking time by 5 minutes if substituted.
Cooked it?
Mark it made — add a photo if you like.