The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich Periperi Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a really good grilled chicken sandwich ? Seriously, have you ever craved that Nando’s flavour at home? Well, get ready, cos this one is packed with a homemade Peri Peri kick.
Brief Overview
Peri Peri sauce hails from Portugal and Mozambique. This recipe takes that amazing flavour and puts it in a sandwich. It's medium difficulty. Marinating time is key. This recipe makes four epic sandwiches.
Main Benefits
The star is the homemade Peri Peri sauce. Red peppers and chillies gives you a vitamin C boost. This Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Peri Peri Perfection is perfect for a weekend lunch.
Honestly, the flavour combo is special. You know?
Okay, right then, let's get this strategy sorted, shall we?
Let's dive into the recipe, shall we? It all starts with that gorgeous marinade. Imagine juicy chicken, infused with spicy, smoky flavours.
We're talking about a Peri Peri chicken sandwich that is so easy to make. I’ve made this recipe so many times and I can tell you it's always a hit.
Even my picky eaters love it!.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Okay, right then, let's get this delicious grilled chicken sandwich sorted, shall we? You know, the Peri Peri chicken sandwich that'll make you forget all about those other bland sandwiches? We're going all-out, so let's make sure we've got everything ready.
Main Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 4 red bell peppers, roughly chopped (about 600g / 21oz ). Look for peppers that are firm and brightly coloured.
- 4 red chillies, chopped (adjust to your taste Serrano or Bird's Eye work well!).
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 12g ).
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika ( 15ml ).
- 1 tbsp dried oregano ( 15ml ).
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, 5ml ). Add if you love a kick!
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar ( 30ml ).
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 30ml ).
- 1/4 cup olive oil ( 60ml ).
- 1 tsp salt ( 5ml ).
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ( 2.5ml ).
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 600g / 21oz total weight). Pound them to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml ).
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 brioche buns, split. A good brioche should be slightly sweet and buttery. This is a Grilled chicken brioche sandwich , so be sure to not miss this ingredient!
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise ( 60ml ).
- 4 large lettuce leaves (Romaine or Butter lettuce are fab!).
- 1 large tomato, sliced (about 200g / 7oz ).
Seasoning Notes
Essential spice combinations? The Peri Peri sauce is all about that sweet heat. The smoked paprika gives a lovely smokiness. And don't be afraid to adjust the chillies.
You know, that spicy grilled chicken recipe is perfect if you want something hot! If you're not keen on red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works too.
And the lemon? It brightens everything up. Honestly, a squeeze of lemon does wonders.
Equipment Needed
You don't need loads of fancy stuff.
- Food processor or blender. Crucial for that smooth Peri Peri marinade.
- Large ziplock bag or shallow dish. This is for marinating the chicken.
- Grill pan or outdoor grill. Obvious, I know, but it's for the grilled chicken sandwich !
- Meat thermometer, to make sure the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
You can use a frying pan if you don't have a grill. No biggie, mate! Don't skip this part if you wish to create the best grilled chicken sandwich recipe . Enjoy!
Cooking Method: Grilling for the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Okay, right then, let's get this grilled chicken sandwich sorted, shall we? Seriously, forget soggy sandwiches. Grilling the chicken takes this to a whole new level.
Based on that smashing " Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Peri Peri Perfection " recipe, here’s how we nail it!
Prep Steps for Grilling Greatness
Essential mise en place is key. Get your chicken marinated well in advance. I'm talking at least 2 hours .
Overnight is even better. Chop your lettuce, and slice your tomato. The Peri Peri marinade makes all the difference.
Time saving tip? Prepare the marinade a day ahead. Honestly, it’ll taste even better. Plus, less work on the day.
Safety first! Make sure your grill is clean before you preheat. And always use a meat thermometer. We don't want undercooked chicken!
step-by-step Grilling Brilliance
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat .
- Lightly oil the grill grates. This stops sticking.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and let it drip a bit. Discard the marinade!
- Grill for 5- 7 minutes per side. Watch for those grill marks!
- Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
Visual cues? The chicken should be opaque throughout. No pink bits allowed!
Critical temperature points? Again, 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't skip the thermometer.
Pro Tips for a Killer Sandwich
Pound that chicken! Pounding it to half inch thickness ensures even cooking. This is huge for juicy chicken. Nobody wants dry chicken.
Don't overcrowd the grill. Grill in batches for the best sear. This is a pro tip for good grill marks.
Avoid overcooking! Dry chicken is the enemy. Check that internal temperature religiously. Honestly, I've ruined so many chicken breasts by not paying attention!
make-ahead? You can grill the chicken ahead of time. Just refrigerate and reheat gently. Honestly, that spicy grilled chicken recipe is so easy.
Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Sandwich Success
Okay, right then, let's get this strategy sorted, shall we? This grilled chicken sandwich isn't just thrown together; it's a labour of love! These recipe notes are like my secret handshake with you, sharing all the little things I've learned that'll take your sandwich from good to oh my gosh .
Honestly, a few small changes can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Lunch Game
Let's talk plating. Ditch the sad paper plate, yeah? Pop that gourmet chicken sandwich on a nice wooden board. A little bit of greenery? Bang, you are a culinary artist.
A sprig of parsley never hurt nobody!
For sides, I always go for sweet potato fries . The sweetness really cuts through the Peri Peri chicken sandwich heat. Or, if you want something lighter, coleslaw is a classic.
A dollop of extra homemade Peri Peri sauce on the side? Yes, please. Or a creamy dip, right?.
Storage Tips: Saving the Goodness for Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep that spicy grilled chicken recipe goodness fresh by wrapping the chicken separately in foil. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The sauce should also be refrigerated.
Freezing? Probably best to avoid freezing the whole sandwich. The lettuce will get sad and soggy. You can freeze the grilled chicken if you have to, but it's never quite the same.
Reheating? The best way is in a pan with some olive oil, or even the microwave but be careful to not dry it. Add some extra Peri Peri if you are feeling sassy.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Want a twist? A Lemon Herb Chicken swap is tasty, using lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme instead. It is another winning grilled chicken sandwich .
For a dietary tweak, you can always swap the brioche bun for a gluten-free option. Want extra fire? I sometimes mix sriracha into the mayo for a spicy mayo .
Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood
Each Peri Peri perfection serving clocks in around 650 calories, with a whopping 45g of protein to keep you going. There's also 35g of fat.
The fibre is 3g, the sugar is 10g, and sodium is 800mg. That's Nando's inspired chicken sandwich bliss without the guilt.
So there you have it! Everything you need to create the best grilled chicken sandwich recipe you've ever tasted. Go on, give it a go. You've got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my grilled chicken sandwich from drying out?
Nobody wants a dry sarnie, right? Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling is key. This ensures they cook evenly. Also, don't overcook them! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing - this keeps those lovely juices locked in.
Can I make the Peri Peri marinade ahead of time for my grilled chicken sandwich?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, making the Peri Peri marinade a day or two in advance actually enhances the flavour. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before using it to marinate the chicken.
Think of it as letting the flavours get to know each other before the big grill party.
What's the best way to grill the chicken? Can I use a pan instead of a grill?
For that proper grilled flavour, an outdoor grill or grill pan is ideal. Preheat to medium high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you haven't got one, a regular frying pan will work just fine!
Ensure it's nice and hot before adding the chicken, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
I don't like spicy food. Can I make a milder version of this grilled chicken sandwich?
Of course! The level of spice in the Peri Peri marinade is entirely up to you. Reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds before blending. You can also substitute with a milder chilli variety.
Or, check out the variations - a Lemon Herb marinade would be a totally different, but equally delicious, vibe for your grilled chicken sandwich.
How long will leftover grilled chicken sandwich ingredients last?
Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. However, it's best to store the chicken separately from the buns and other sandwich toppings.
Assemble the sandwiches fresh when you're ready to eat them, otherwise you'll end up with a soggy bottom situation which is a right pain!
Can I freeze the grilled chicken for later use in my sandwich?
Yes, you can freeze the grilled chicken! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently before assembling your killer grilled chicken sandwich.
The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Sandwich Periperi P
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
