Sweet Chilli Chicken and Halloumi Burger
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Homemade copycat Nando’s chicken and halloumi burger!
Juicy chicken, saucy halloumi, and fresh toppings make this the ultimate air fryer recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Nando’s Sweet Chilli Chicken and Halloumi Burger
If you know me, you know I love a cheeky Nando’s. This sweet chilli chicken and halloumi burger brings all the flavours of your favourite meal right into your own kitchen.
What makes it even better is that this recipe uses an air fryer! Not only does it cook the chicken perfectly, but it’s also quick, convenient, and cost-effective. Of course, for those who don’t have an air fryer, I’ve included instructions for cooking it in a regular oven.
The Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
Air fryers have become one of my favourite kitchen gadgets, and for good reason. They cook food faster than traditional ovens and use significantly less energy, making them more cost-effective.
They also create a crispy texture without needing much oil. Whether you’re cooking chicken, veggies, or even desserts, an air fryer is a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:
- Air fryer or oven – For cooking the chicken and halloumi.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin – To flatten the chicken for even cooking.
- Mixing bowl – For preparing the sauce.
- Tongs – To easily handle the chicken and halloumi.
Ingredients for Copycat Nando’s Sweet Chilli Chicken and Halloumi Burger
For the Burger:
- 1 chicken breast
- 2–3 slices halloumi cheese
- 1 bun or roll of your choice
- 1 medium tomato, sliced and salted
- Baby gem lettuce
- Mayo or your sauce of choice
Seasoning:
- 1-2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- Dash of hot sauce, to taste
How to Make Copycat Sweet Chilli Nando’s Chicken and Halloumi Burger
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by flattening the chicken breast with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Season both sides generously with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, honey, and a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.
If you prefer a classic Nando’s vibe, you can swap this sauce for peri peri sauce instead.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Halloumi
Brush the chicken breast with the prepared sweet chili sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Do the same with the halloumi slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, add the halloumi slices to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through to 165F/75C.
Step 5: Cook in a Regular Oven (Optional)
If you don’t have an air fryer, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F fan). Bake the chicken on a lined tray for 18–20 minutes, adding the halloumi slices for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Assemble the Burger
Spread mayo or your sauce of choice on both sides of the bun. Start by layering the cooked chicken breast on the bottom half.
Next, add the halloumi slices, followed by the salted tomato slices and baby gem lettuce. Top with the remaining half of the bun and serve immediately.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
This sweet chilli chicken and halloumi burger is not only packed with flavor but also versatile. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a casual gathering with friends.
The air fryer makes it so easy to prepare, and the fresh ingredients keep it light yet satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of juicy chicken, crispy halloumi, and flavorful toppings.
Tips for Success
- Flatten the Chicken: Always flatten your chicken breast to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Let the Sauce Shine: Don’t be shy with the sauce! Coating the chicken and halloumi ensures every bite is packed with flavour.
- Customize Your Toppings: Add avocado, pickles, or even extra sauce to make this burger your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this burger with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider pairing it with a selection of dips like peri peri mayo or garlic aioli.
For a more indulgent option, add a second layer of halloumi or cheese of your choice, or an extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce. It’s a recipe that’s easy to customize to your taste.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
This copycat Nando’s chicken and halloumi burger is everything you love about the restaurant version, made even better at home. It’s easy, quick, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re a fan of air fryers or prefer using a traditional oven, this recipe is adaptable and delicious every time. Once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Watch My Step-by-Step Video
For a complete guide on how to make this Copycat Nando’s Chicken and Halloumi Burger, check out my video tutorial on the Fitwaffle Kitchen YouTube channel. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @fitwafflekitchen and TikTok @fitwaffle for more delicious recipes!
Copycat Nando's Chicken and Halloumi Burger
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- 2-3 slices Halloumi cheese
- 1 bun/roll of your choice
- 1 medium tomato sliced and salted
- Baby gem lettuce
- Mayo or sauce of choice
Seasoning:
- 1-2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- Dash of hot sauce to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Start by flattening the chicken breast with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Season both sides generously with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chili sauce, honey, and a dash of hot sauce. Adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less hot sauce.
- If you prefer a classic Nando’s vibe, you can swap this sauce for peri peri sauce instead.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Halloumi
- Brush the chicken breast with the prepared sweet chili sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. Do the same with the halloumi slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer
- Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, add the halloumi slices to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the halloumi is golden and crispy and the chicken is cooked through to 165F/75C.
Step 5: Cook in a Regular Oven (Optional)
- If you don’t have an air fryer, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C (350°F fan). Bake the chicken on a lined tray for 18–20 minutes, adding the halloumi slices for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Step 6: Assemble the Burger
- Spread mayo or your sauce of choice on both sides of the bun. Start by layering the cooked chicken breast on the bottom half.
- Next, add the halloumi slices, followed by the salted tomato slices and baby gem lettuce. Top with the remaining half of the bun and serve immediately.
