If you love burgers and spicy flavors, you’re in for a treat! This Peri Peri Chicken Burger is packed with bold, zesty flavors and topped with creamy Halloumi cheese. The toasted garlic butter ciabatta buns take this burger to the next level, and it’s perfect for a family dinner or weekend treat. Pair it with crispy air-fried chips, and you’ve got a meal that’s better than any takeaway! Let’s get started.
Method
Prep the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken to ensure it absorbs all the bold peri-peri flavors. Start with 300g of chicken breasts and butter them to promote even cooking. This involves slicing the chicken breasts horizontally without cutting them all the way through, allowing them to open like a book. Once butterflied, coat the chicken generously with 4 tablespoons of peri peri marinade. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic granules and 1 teaspoon of paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes to allow the marinade and spices to penetrate, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the burgers.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a frying pan or grill pan over medium heat and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts onto the surface. Cook the chicken for approximately 4 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The exterior should develop a slight char from the peri peri marinade, adding a smoky depth to the flavor. Ensure the chicken remains juicy by not overcooking it. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before assembling the burgers.
Cook the Halloumi
While the chicken is resting, prepare the Halloumi cheese to add a creamy and salty element to your burger. Take 60g of reduced-fat Halloumi and slice it into even pieces. Heat a separate frying pan or use the same pan if space allows, adding a little oil to prevent sticking. Place the Halloumi slices in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and become crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Be careful not to overcook the Halloumi to maintain its desirable texture. Once cooked, set the Halloumi aside until it’s time to assemble the burgers.
Prep the Ciabatta
Next, prepare the ciabatta buns to ensure they are flavorful and have a delightful crunch. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of garlic puree with 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat butter. Mix well until the garlic puree is evenly distributed throughout the butter. Slice the 2 ciabattas horizontally and spread the garlic butter mixture generously on both halves. Place the ciabatta rolls in a preheated oven or under a grill until they are toasted to a golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The toasting process not only enhances the flavor but also provides a sturdy base that holds all the burger components without becoming soggy.
Assemble the Burgers
With all components prepared, it’s time to assemble your delicious Peri Peri Chicken Burgers. Start by spreading 2 tablespoons of chili jam on the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta bun. This adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the smoky chicken. Layer a handful of fresh rockets (arugula) on top of the chili jam for a peppery crunch. Place a cooked chicken breast on top of the rocket, followed by a slice of crispy Halloumi cheese. Add 2 tablespoons of Nando’s Perinaise on the top half of the bun for a creamy and tangy finish. Carefully place the top bun over the assembled ingredients, pressing down gently to secure all layers in place.
Serve
Your Peri Peri Chicken Burgers are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately while the components are still warm and the flavors are at their peak. Accompany the burgers with crispy air-fried chips or your favorite side dish for a complete and satisfying meal. For an added touch, garnish with extra cooked bacon or a drizzle of additional peri peri sauce if desired. These burgers are perfect for a family dinner or a weekend treat, offering a homemade alternative that rivals any takeaway option.
Peri Peri Chicken Burger
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan or grill pan
- Small bowl (for garlic butter)
- Air fryer (optional, for chips)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 300 g chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp peri peri marinade
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp paprika
- For the Rolls:
- 2 ciabattas
- 2 tbsp garlic puree
- 2 tbsp reduced-fat butter
- 60 g reduced-fat Halloumi
- For Assembling:
- 2 tbsp chilli jam
- Handful of rocket arugula
- 2 tbsp Nando’s Perinaise
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken. Butterfly the chicken breasts so they cook evenly. Coat them with peri peri marinade, garlic granules, and paprika.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
- Step 3: Cook the Halloumi. While the chicken is cooking, fry or grill the Halloumi slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Prep the Ciabatta. In a small bowl, mix garlic puree, butter, and a sprinkle of parsley. Spread this mixture evenly on the ciabatta rolls. Toast the rolls in a pan or under the grill until golden.
- Step 5: Assemble the Burgers. Spread chilli jam on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a handful of rocket, then place the chicken breast on top. Add the Halloumi slice and finish with a dollop of Nando’s Perinaise. Top with the other half of the bun.
- Step 6: Serve. Serve your Peri Peri Chicken Burgers with crispy air-fried chips or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly without drying out.
- Watch the Halloumi: Halloumi cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Toast the Buns Lightly: Toast just until golden for a nice crunch without over-drying.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of air-fried chips or sweet potato fries.
- Add a small salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with extra Perinaise or peri-peri sauce for dipping.
Fun Fact
Did you know the name “peri peri” comes from the Swahili word for pepper, “piri piri”? It’s a type of chili used in African and Portuguese cooking, known for its spicy and tangy flavor.
Conclusion
This Peri Peri Chicken Burger is the perfect way to enjoy bold, spicy flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. The crispy ciabatta and gooey Halloumi make every bite a delight. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing your family, this recipe is a surefire hit. Try it out and let me know how much you love it. Happy cooking!