Peruvian Chicken Recipe: Peruvian Chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is a flavorful, juicy, and smoky dish that has gained international recognition. What makes this dish stand out is the unique blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, garlic, and the essential Aji Amarillo paste. Served with a vibrant green sauce known as Aji Verde, this dish is a true culinary delight. Whether grilled, roasted, or cooked in an air fryer, Peruvian Chicken is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Needed
To create the perfect Peruvian Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs) or 4 bone-in chicken quarters
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp white vinegar or lime juice
For the Marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Aji Amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili paste)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp Aji Amarillo paste
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- ¼ tsp salt
Preparing the Marinade
The marinade is the heart of Peruvian Chicken. It infuses the chicken with deep flavors and creates a juicy, tender texture.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, Aji Amarillo paste, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
- Add soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and white vinegar. Mix well to form a thick paste.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if needed.
This rich and aromatic marinade will ensure your chicken is packed with flavor.
Marinating the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin for deeper penetration.
- Place the chicken in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight).
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.
Marinating overnight allows the spices to fully infuse into the meat, making the chicken incredibly flavorful.
Cooking Methods
There are multiple ways to cook Peruvian Chicken. Choose the method that works best for you:
1. Grilling (Best for Smoky Flavor)
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F).
- Place the chicken skin-side down and grill for 15 minutes, then flip.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 40-45 minutes).
2. Oven Roasting (Crispy Skin & Juicy Meat)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan with a rack.
- Roast for 50-60 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.
3. Air Fryer (Quick and Easy)
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
Making the Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
- Add mayonnaise, cilantro, Aji Amarillo paste, garlic, lime juice, white vinegar, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
This sauce adds a spicy and tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Peruvian Chicken is best served with:
- Roasted or Fried Plantains – Adds a sweet balance.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Enhances the flavor profile.
- Crispy French Fries – A traditional Peruvian side.
Garnish with fresh lime wedges and cilantro for an extra pop of freshness.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 300°F for 15 minutes to retain moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marination step – The longer the marinade, the better the flavor.
- Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to avoid dryness.
- Not resting the chicken – Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep juices in.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (4 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbs | 2g |
This dish is high in protein and low in carbs, making it perfect for a healthy diet.
FAQs About Peruvian Chicken Recipe
1. What makes Peruvian chicken unique?
Peruvian chicken, or Pollo a la Brasa, stands out due to its flavorful marinade made with spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and Peruvian aji peppers. The combination of smoky, spicy, and citrusy flavors gives it a distinct and delicious taste.
2. Can I make Peruvian chicken without a rotisserie?
Absolutely! While traditional Pollo a la Brasa is cooked on a rotisserie, you can roast it in the oven or grill it for a similar juicy and crispy result.
3. What is the best sauce to serve with Peruvian chicken?
Peruvian green sauce (Aji Verde) is the most popular pairing. It’s a creamy, spicy sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and mayonnaise, adding an extra kick to the dish.
4. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal. This allows the spices and seasonings to fully infuse into the meat.
5. What sides go well with Peruvian chicken?
Traditional sides include crispy French fries, Peruvian-style rice, salad, and roasted corn. You can also pair it with plantains or yucca fries for an authentic experience.
6. Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! While a whole chicken is traditional, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure juicy, flavorful results.
7. Is Peruvian chicken spicy?
The spice level depends on the marinade and sauce. While the dish has a flavorful kick, it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat by controlling the amount of aji peppers or jalapeños used.
8. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover Peruvian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, keeping the skin crispy.
Conclusion
Peruvian Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether grilled, roasted, or air-fried, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget the creamy Aji Verde sauce to complete the experience!
