Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Lima with this tantalizing Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken recipe. The smoky, spiced poultry paired with a creamy herb sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests. I stumbled upon this dish during my travels through Peru and became determined to recreate its magic at home. After numerous trials, this version has become a beloved favorite in my household, requested by my children every time we fire up the grill.

The secret ingredient that sets this dish apart is the ají amarillo paste. While initially hesitant to track it down, its fruity and moderately spicy flavor won me over, becoming a pantry staple. The green sauce, a zesty companion to the crispy-skinned chicken, can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days, its flavors only improving with time. Don’t have ají amarillo paste? A clever substitute using habanero hot sauce and mango puree can still deliver that unique fruity heat profile. Serve this Peruvian delight with simple sides like cilantro lime rice or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal that captures the vibrant essence of Peru in every bite.

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Quick Benefits

Vibrant Flavors: Combines smoky, spiced chicken with a creamy herb sauce for a flavor explosion that transports you to the streets of Lima.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests, making it a versatile go-to recipe.
Unique Ingredient: Ají amarillo paste adds a fruity, moderately spicy flavor that sets this dish apart, becoming a pantry staple for future use.
Make-ahead: The green sauce can be prepared ahead and stored for up to 5 days, with flavors improving over time, making meal prep a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe Recipe

Vibrant Flavors: The combination of smoky, spiced grilled chicken with a creamy and herbaceous green sauce creates a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds.
Authentic Experience: Transport yourself to the streets of Lima with this Peruvian-style dish that captures the essence of traditional Peruvian cuisine.
Family Favorite: A recipe loved by both adults and children, making it perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests.
Unique Ingredient: The ají amarillo paste adds a fruity and moderately spicy flavor that sets this dish apart, making it a standout in your recipe collection.
Make-ahead Sauce: The green sauce can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Adaptable Recipe: Don’t have ají amarillo paste? No problem! The recipe offers a creative substitution that maintains the fruity heat profile.
Versatile Pairings: The grilled chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as cilantro lime rice, green salad, or grilled corn, allowing you to create a well-rounded meal.
Accessible and Approachable: This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Peru to your home kitchen in a way that is achievable and delicious, making it a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Ingredients for Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

For the Green Sauce

3 jalapeño chiles, roughly chopped
2 teaspoons (10 ml) fresh lime juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 medium cloves garlic
1 tablespoon (15 ml) ají amarillo pepper paste
1 teaspoon (5 ml) distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (28 g)
1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise

For the Chicken

3 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons (18 g) paprika
1 teaspoon (3 g) freshly ground black pepper
4 teaspoons (12 g) kosher salt
2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar
2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable or canola oil
1 whole chicken (1.6 to 1.8 kg)
2 tablespoons (18 g) ground cumin

Pro Tips for Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To get that perfect crispy skin on your grilled chicken, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it. This will help remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully on the grill. Additionally, make sure to preheat your grill properly and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process for even cooking and great char marks.

Pro Tip 2: Don’t skimp on the ají amarillo paste – it’s truly the star ingredient that sets this Peruvian-style grilled chicken apart. While it may require an extra trip to the store, the fruity and spicy flavor it adds to the dish is well worth it. Stock up on this paste to have it handy for future Peruvian-inspired dishes, as it adds a unique and authentic flavor that can’t be replicated easily.

Pro Tip 3: The green sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate many dishes beyond this grilled chicken. Experiment with using it as a dip for roasted veggies, a marinade for fish, or a topping for tacos. Its flavors will continue to develop, so prepare it in advance for even tastier results.

How to Make Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Green Sauce

In a blender, combine jalapeños, ají amarillo, cilantro, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, vinegar, and blend until smooth. Slowly add olive oil while blending. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate in a sealed container until ready to serve; sauce will thicken over time.

Step 2: Spatchcock the Chicken

Dry chicken with paper towels. Place on cutting board, breast side down. Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of backbone to remove it. Flip chicken over and flatten by pressing on breast. Secure with skewer horizontally through thighs and breast halves. Tuck wing tips behind back.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix salt, cumin, paprika, pepper, garlic, vinegar, and oil until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Grill

Light a chimney of charcoal until covered with gray ash. Spread evenly over half of coal grate. Alternatively, preheat half of gas grill burners on high. Place cooking grate, cover grill, and preheat for 5 minutes. Clean and oil grilling grate.

Step 5: Initial Grilling

Position chicken on cooler side of grill, skin side up and legs facing hotter side. Cover grill with vents open, cook until instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast reads 43°C (110°F).

Step 6: Crisp the Skin

Flip chicken and position skin side down on the hotter side of the grill, pressing firmly with a spatula. Cook covered until skin is crispy and internal temperature of the breast reaches 63-66°C (145-150°F), around 10 minutes. Move to cooler side if needed to prevent burning, and cook until done.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Place the chicken on a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Carve the chicken and serve with the green sauce.

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Storage Tips

After preparing the Peruvian-style grilled chicken with green sauce, it is best to store any leftovers properly. The green sauce can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors of the sauce actually improve over time as they have a chance to meld together. Before serving any leftover sauce, just give it a quick stir if you notice any separation.

To store any leftover chicken, make sure it is completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating the chicken, it is best to use an oven or toaster oven to help maintain its crispy skin and juicy interior. Additionally, the chicken can be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Peruvian-style grilled chicken can be enjoyed within 2-3 months for the best quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ají amarillo pepper paste for the green sauce, a suitable alternative could be a combination of 1 tablespoon of habanero hot sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon of mango puree. This substitution will provide a similar fruity heat profile to the dish. Additionally, you can adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less of the hot sauce based on your preference.

For those who may not be fans of mayonnaise or sour cream, you can swap these ingredients in the green sauce with Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative that still offers creaminess. Greek yogurt will maintain the texture and add a tangy element to the sauce. This substitution can also make the dish slightly healthier while keeping the overall flavor profile intact. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting the Peruvian-style grilled chicken on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Drizzle the creamy green sauce generously over the chicken just before serving to create a visually appealing dish that will impress your guests. Serve it alongside a colorful quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and a squeeze of lime juice for a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates the flavors of Peru.

Another fun way to serve this dish is to shred the grilled chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. Warm up some tortillas on the grill, fill them with the tender chicken, and top them with the creamy green sauce, sliced avocado, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. This interactive and customizable presentation is perfect for a casual gathering or a family dinner where everyone can build their own delicious Peruvian-inspired tacos.

FAQs for Delicious Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the green sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld. Just give it a quick stir before serving if any separation occurs.

What can I use as a substitute for ají amarillo paste?

If you don’t have ají amarillo paste, you can create a similar fruity heat profile by substituting 1 tablespoon of habanero hot sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon of mango puree. While not traditional, this combination can provide a comparable flavor profile.

Can I grill the chicken using a different type of poultry?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe to grill different types of poultry, such as chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even turkey breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut of meat you choose to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this Peruvian-style grilled chicken?

This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with sides that complement its flavors without overpowering them. Consider serving it with cilantro lime rice, a simple green salad, or grilled corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal that highlights the vibrant Peruvian-inspired flavors of the dish.

Conclusion

Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken is a dish that truly embodies the spirit of adventure and culinary delight. Whether you’re exploring new flavors or bringing back memories of past travels, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. The smoky, spiced chicken paired with the creamy, herbaceous green sauce is a match made in foodie heaven.

Don’t be intimidated by the unique ingredients or flavors – embrace them and let your taste buds revel in the explosion of tastes and textures. The ají amarillo paste adds a distinctive touch that elevates this dish to a whole new level. Trust me, the extra effort to source it will be well worth it.

So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones around, and savor each bite of this Peruvian-inspired masterpiece. Let the flavors transport you to the bustling streets of Lima, even if just for a moment. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing good food, and let Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken become a beloved tradition in your home.

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