Nando’s has invited South Africans to elevate their braai skills by learning from the 2024 Nando’s National Grillers Challenge Champion, Silindokuhle Mafenuka, this Heritage month.
Mafenuka has shared the exclusive on his braai tips for grid perfection.
Also read: A message from Nando’s: Stick it out, Mzansi
The celebration of Heritage Day in South Africa includes honouring the diverse cultures, languages and traditions held within our nation.
With Heritage Day 2024 coming up, Mafenuka has shared his invaluable tips on preparing the perfect chicken this season!
1. Know your chicken
Here, the importance of knowing what a perfectly grilled chicken looks like, comes into play. ‘It must look nice and charred on the outside, after being cooked through properly’ says Mafenuka. He continues to say that understanding the desired outcome will help braaiers stay focused during the grilling process.
2. Avoid over checking the chicken
The more you keep on checking, the less likely you are to get the perfect grill marks. Trust the process and allow the chicken to reach its majestic golden-brown colour on the skin side before turning it.
3. Handle with care
A simple trick suggested by the grill champion is that when turning your chicken, pull up a small section and be gentle so that the skin won’t be stuck on the grill. This ensures that the skin does not break and looks as good as it is bound to taste.
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. Overcrowding often leads to uneven cooking and overall unpleasantness.
5. Stay calm and confident
Trust your instincts, the process and your chicken. Most importantly, do not panic.

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, enjoying perfectly grilled chicken with your family and friends.
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Picture: Nando’s / Facebook





