Macros per Serving
🔥 Calories: ~580 kcal
🥩 Protein: ~47g
🍚 Carbohydrates: ~45g
🥑 Fat: ~20g
🌽 Fibre: ~5g
Juicy peri-peri marinated chicken, coated in a creamy, spicy sauce and baked with mozzarella and cheddar until golden and bubbling. This is your high-protein version of cheesy Nando’s comfort food — perfect for gym days, meal prep, or an easy midweek craving killer.
⏰ Total Time: ~40 mins (10 mins prep time, 30 mins cook time)
💰 Total cost (2 servings): ≈ £4.60
🍽️ Cost per serving: ≈ £2.30
This is an approximate calculation, but it should give you a good idea of the cost of making these 2 servings. The cost per meal comes down significantly when buying ingredients in larger quantities, especially for pantry staples like olive oil, spices, and seasonings.
Ingredients (2 servings)
🍗 For the Peri-Peri Marinated Chicken
• 2 medium chicken breasts (~300g), diced
• 2 tbsp peri-peri sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
🥣 For the Creamy Sauce
• 100g light cream cheese
• 1 tbsp Skyr or Greek yoghurt
• 1 egg (optional, adds richness)
• 2–3 tbsp chicken stock or pasta water (for extra creaminess)
• 1 tsp peri-peri sauce
• Salt & pepper to taste
🧀 For the Pasta Bake
• 120g pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 30g light mozzarella, mixed into the pasta
• 20g grated cheddar, for topping
• Optional garnish: parsley, chilli flakes, or spring onion
Instructions (2 servings)
⏱ Tip: Marinate first, then boil pasta + prep sauce while it rests.
1. 🔥 Marinate the Chicken
• Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
• In a bowl, mix with peri-peri sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper.
• Marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavour).
2. 🍝 Cook the Pasta
• Boil pasta until just before al dente.
• Drain and set aside, saving a few tablespoons of pasta water or use chicken stock.
3. 🍗 Cook the Chicken
• Heat a pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
• Keep the chicken in the pan, but turn off the heat while you prep the sauce.
4. 🥣 Make the Creamy Sauce
• In a mixing bowl, stir together:
– Cream cheese
– Skyr or yoghurt
– 1 egg (optional)
– 1 tsp peri-peri sauce
– Chicken stock or pasta water
– Salt & pepper to taste
• Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken and stir to coat.
• Add in the cooked pasta and mozzarella.
• Mix everything gently until evenly coated.
5. 🧀 Assemble & Bake
• Transfer to a small oven-safe dish.
• Top with grated cheddar.
• Add a sprinkle of chilli flakes if you like it spicy.
• Bake at 200°C (fan 180°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
6. 🌿 Garnish & Serve
• Optional: Finish with chopped parsley, spring onions, or an extra drizzle of peri-peri sauce.
• Serve hot or portion into containers for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
❄️ Meal Prep Notes
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the chicken juicy.
Health Benefits of the Dish
🥩 High-Quality Protein for Muscle Recovery
Lean chicken breast, egg, and light cheese provide a complete source of protein to support muscle repair, growth, and post-workout recovery. Protein also keeps you fuller for longer, helping reduce snacking and support lean body goals — making this an ideal option for active lifestyles or anyone looking to fuel smart.
🌶️ Spice & Antioxidant Boost from Peri-Peri
The peri-peri marinade brings more than just heat — it offers vitamin C, capsaicin, and powerful antioxidants from chilli, garlic, and lemon. These nutrients support metabolism, immune health, and inflammation control, all while making the dish bold and flavourful.
🍝 Energising Carbs with Smart Fats
The balanced mix of pasta, olive oil, and dairy provides sustained energy, helping power you through workouts, workdays, or evenings without the crash. Combined with slow-digesting protein and fats, this creates a satisfying, energising meal that supports performance and recovery while feeling like comfort food.
💡 Tips & Variations
🧀 Extra Stringy? – Add more mozzarella or use a cheese blend like cheddar + mozzarella for the ultimate melt.
🌿 Add Veggies – Toss in some spinach, roasted peppers, or peas for added fibre and colour.
🥵 Make it Spicier – Use hot peri-peri sauce or stir in fresh chopped chillies.
🐟 Switch the Protein – Try prawns or turkey breast if you want something different.
🍽️ Prep Ahead – Assemble in advance, store in fridge, and bake fresh when needed.
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