05/23/2026
Peri-Peri Chicken inspired pita 🤎✨ Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade: * 1½ tsp smoked paprika * 1 tsp sweet paprika * ¾–1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat) * 1 tsp garlic powder * ½ tsp onion powder * 1 tsp dried oregano * ½ tsp dried thyme * ½ tsp kosher salt * 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder * ½ tsp black pepper * 1 tsp brown sugar * 3 tbsp neutral oil * 2 tbsp lemon juice * 1 tsp lemon zest * 2 cloves garlic, minced * ¼ cup Nando’s peri-peri sauce (optional) For the Pita Filling: * 1.5 lb boneless chicken thighs * 7–8 oz halloumi cheese, sliced * 4 pita breads * 1–2 tbsp oil for cooking For the Sauce / Spread: * Mayonnaise * Extra Nando’s peri-peri sauce Optional Toppings: * lettuce * Sliced tomatoes * Sliced onions * French fries on the side Method 1. Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl combine smoked paprika, sweet paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, kosher salt, chicken bouillon powder, black pepper, and brown sugar. 2. Add oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and peri-peri sauce. Mix until well combined. 3. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. 4. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. 5. Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. 6. Place the sliced halloumi cheese onto the hot skillet and cook until golden with char marks. 7. Add a little oil to the same skillet. 8. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook until well browned on one side. 9. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until fully cooked through and nicely seared. Cook in batches if needed. Once cooked brush with peri peri sauce, and remove 10. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing if desired. 11. To assemble the pita, spread a small layer of mayonnaise inside the pita bread. 12. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced onions. 13. Layer the grilled halloumi and peri-peri chicken on top. 14. Drizzle extra peri-peri sauce over the chicken. 15. Serve immediately with fries if desired.
