The chain will be giving away 500 Great Pretender burgers on 30 January in Brisbane.

Nando’s continues its foray into the alternative protein scene with a new plant-based burger patty.

The chain says its new Great Pretender patty can be a substitute to chicken in any burger, wrap, pita, salad or paella for an additional $1.

The chain's new meat alternative is made from wheat and pea proteins and also features some key ingredients from their signature PERi-PERi recipe, like lemon, herbs and garlic, paired with their branded chilli. It was developed with their supplier for two decades, Hela.

"We’ve been able to ensure the patty retains a nice, juicy texture and delicious taste when cooked by including healthy fats in the form of canola and coconut. The Great Pretender looks quite similar to a minced chicken patty," Nando's head of food Mario Manabe toldQSR Media.

"Nando’s has had a veggie patty as part of its menu offering for a number of years, however this is the first time we’ve brought a direct chicken alternative to the table," he added.

Nando’s will be giving away 500 Great Pretender burgers with a side of PERi-PERi chips on 30 January at their Festival Towers store in Brisbane.

The vegan meat will later become available across the chain’s QLD restaurants on 4 February.