Copycat Nando's Sunset Burger Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 chicken breast fillets (about 150g each)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 Portuguese rolls (or brioche burger buns)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120g mature cheddar cheese, sliced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large tomato, sliced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 handfuls lettuce leaves</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li> <li class="ingredients-section-title">For the Peri-Peri Marinade:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 red chillies (adjust according to heat preference)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">4 cloves garlic, peeled</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground cumin</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml red wine vinegar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">80ml olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-section-title">For the Red Pepper Relish:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 red bell peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red onion, finely chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp red wine vinegar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp smoked paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-section-title">For the Garlic Aioli:</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g mayonnaise</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 garlic cloves, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Grill pan or barbecue</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor or blender</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Heavy-bottomed saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Meat mallet</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Meat thermometer</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 1.5cm. This ensures even cooking and creates a perfect burger-shaped fillet. Season both sides with salt and pepper. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Prepare the peri-peri marinade by combining all marinade ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth, achieving a vibrant orange-red sauce. The acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar will help tenderize the chicken while the oil carries the flavors deep into the meat. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place the chicken fillets in a shallow dish and pour two-thirds of the peri-peri marinade over them, reserving the remaining third for basting. Ensure each fillet is well coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> For the red pepper relish, heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the bell peppers and continue cooking for 10 minutes until they begin to break down. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Add the brown sugar, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt to the pepper mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture reduces and thickens to a jam-like consistency. The natural pectin in the peppers will help achieve this texture. Remove from heat and let cool completely. The flavors will intensify as it cools. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Make the garlic aioli by mixing all aioli ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until needed to allow the flavors to meld together. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Preheat your grill pan or barbecue to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, gently shaking off excess. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, basting with the reserved marinade, until charred on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 75°C. The sugar in the marinade will caramelize, creating those distinctive blackened spots typical of Nando's chicken. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheddar on each chicken fillet and allow it to melt slightly. Meanwhile, slice the Portuguese rolls in half and lightly toast them on the grill, cut side down, for about 30 seconds until golden with slight grill marks. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> To assemble the burgers, spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Top with lettuce leaves and a slice of tomato. Add the cheese-topped chicken fillet, then spread a generous spoonful of red pepper relish on top. Finish with the top half of the roll, pressing down slightly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Serve immediately while the chicken is still hot and the cheese is melted. The contrast between the warm spicy chicken, cool crisp vegetables, and the sweet-tangy red pepper relish with creamy aioli creates the signature Sunset Burger experience. Accompany with crispy fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. </li> </ol>