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Southa is well familiar with Nando’s rep in the chicken game. No cap. Still, you too can elevate your braai skills at home by learning from Silindokuhle Mafenuka, 2024 Nando’s National Grillers Challenge Champion this Heritage month. Hailing from Umlazi’s Nando’s in Mega City, the kasi known for bringing the heat with hot spots like Kwa-Max Lifestyle and Eyadini, Mafenuka embodies the heritage that runs deep in Mzansi.
Heritage Day is a celebration of South Africa’s diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, a day when we honour the variety that defines us as a nation. While many embrace the spirit of unity through the shared love of a good braai, it’s important to remember the deeper significance of the day: appreciating the unique heritage of each South African community. As September 24 approaches, Mafenuka shares some invaluable tips on preparing the perfect chicken this season. Read on and take your grilling skills to the next level.
1. Know Your Chicken. Mafenuka emphasizes the importance of knowing what perfectly grilled chicken looks like. “Firstly, you need to know how your chicken must look when it’s perfect. It must look nice and charred on the outside, so you know it has cooked through properly,” he says. Understanding the desired outcome helps you stay focused during the grilling process.
2. Avoid Over checking the Chicken. One of the most common mistakes people make is checking the chicken too frequently. Mafenuka advises against this: “Don’t panic. While grilling with the skin side down, check it only once. The more you keep on checking, the less likely you are to get those perfect grill marks.” Instead, trust the process and allow the chicken to reach a golden-brown colour on the skin side before turning it.
3. Handle with Care. Turning the chicken can be tricky, but Mafenuka suggests a simple trick: “When you turn your chicken, pull up a small section and be gentle so that the skin won’t be stuck on the grill.” This technique helps you turn the chicken without breaking the skin, ensuring that it stays intact and looks as good as it tastes.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Grill When grilling for a large group, it’s tempting to throw as many pieces on the grill as possible. However, Mafenuka warns against overcrowding. “Don’t grill too many chickens at once,” he advises. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and make it difficult to manage the grill effectively.
5. Stay Calm and Confident Finally, Mafenuka encourages grillers to stay calm and confident. “Don’t panic,” he repeats, emphasizing the importance of trusting your instincts and the process. With practice and patience, you can achieve the perfect grilled chicken.
Whether you’re a seasoned braai master or a mafikizolo just starting out, these tips from a Nando’s Grillers Champion can help you take your grilling skills to the next level. So, this Heritage Day, light up the coals, follow Mafenuka’s advice, and stand on business with perfectly grilled chicken with your family and friends.