Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (2024)

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This Peruvian Chicken is already one of my favorite chicken recipes ever despite the fact that I tried it only a few times so far. The star of this recipe is the green cilantro and chile sauce (Aji Verde), which is magical!

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (1)

I have already talked about my deep love for chicken when I was making it Jamaican style. Some people say this type of poultry is too bland, but I think you just have to cook it right! For example, how can you call this Spanish garlic chicken bland? You have to be nuts to say that! Today I want to introduce you another fantastic way of cooking my favorite meat - Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa). If you have ever been to a Peruvian restaurant, you must have seen it on their menu, because it's one of the most consumed Peru dishes. It's not even the chicken that makes this dish amazing, it's a popular Peruvian green sauce (Aji Verde). Authentically, it's made with spicy aji amarillo peppers, however it's really hard to find them not only in my country, but I guess in yours too (of course not only if you are Peruvian). That's why we are going to substitute them with jalapeño chilies. Be ready for something groundbreaking, because this chicken is really good!

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (2)

Basically, Pollo a la Brasa is a spit-roasted chicken. The bird is marinated with oil, garlic and spices and cooked on a rotisserie to achieve a juicy meat and a crisp skin. Luckily for us, it's perfectly possible to cook it in the oven! You just have to butterfly your chicken and it will result in a very moist meat inside and a perfectly crispy skin outside. I adapted the recipe for this Peruvian chicken as well as the sauce from one of my favorite books ever - "The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science" by J. Kenji López-Alt. I have always been a fan of this guy and his stuff on Serious Eats. For those of you who hear about Kenji for the first time - the guy takes a scientific approach to food and does a deep research on every recipe he makes. That's why his recipes are always fool-proof!

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (3)

As I have already said, the traditional Peruvian green sauce contributes immensely to the success of this dish. It's spicy, but not too spicy (you can control the spiciness by removing some ribs and seeds), creamy, and full of flavor. Jalapeño chiles, mayo, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and a bunch of cilantro! You can put it literally everywhere: on all kinds of grilled meats, it's also great for dipping fries or any other veggies, or as a salad dressing. Aji Verde is super versatile.

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (4)

Peruvian chicken might be one of my new favorite chicken dishes. Dipping the juicy meat and crispy skin in a flavorful green sauce is a true pleasure. There are no Peruvian restaurants in my town, but that's not a problem, I can make my own Peruvian chicken in a flash! If you are reading this right now and thinking whether to make it or not, stop. MAKE IT. Seriously, you won't regret it for a second. Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (5)

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (6)

Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce

CookingTheGlobe

This Peruvian Chicken is freaking amazing, thanks to the green chile and cilantro sauce. It is guaranteed to become one of your favorites!

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Cuisine Peruvian

Servings 6 people

Calories 582 kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 3 ½ - 4 lb (1.5-2kg) whole chicken
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Aji Verde sauce:

  • 3 jalapeño chiles , roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • The chicken. Butterfly the chicken according to these instructions. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oil and spread the mixture all over the chicken. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on it. Put the chicken on it and roast until the thickest part of the breast registers 145°F (60°C), for about 40 minutes. Carve the chicken and serve.

  • The sauce. Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a blender and blend until smooth. With the blender running, add the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 582kcal

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Leisa

    Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (7)
    I made this recipe for Father's Day. Everyone loved it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  2. Liz

    Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (8)
    I used the green sauce recipe for some Peruvian chicken skewers I was making. The sauce is truly magical. I did a little taste test after making it and just wanted to pour it in a glass and drink it all. I resisted the urge and served it with the skewers. The family was blown away by this sauce.

    Reply

  3. Elizabeth

    Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (9)
    Roasted this over some carrots and onions, and served it over rice. Within a few bites my husband insisted we needed to make this a regular dish, and even my toddler and preschoolers gulped it right down. Absolutely delicious!

    Reply

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Peruvian Chicken with Traditional Green Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Peruvian green sauce made of? ›

Ají Verde is made from cilantro, scallions, garlic, lime juice, ají amarillo paste, mayonnaise, and a touch of salt. The fresh mint in this version isn't at all traditional, but it is delicious — feel free to skip it if you'd prefer. Some versions also include cheese and/or huacatay "black mint" paste.

What is Peruvian chicken made of? ›

The basics are simple: Butterflied chicken with a vinegar and spice rub gets slow-cooked on the grill, then quickly cooked directly over the coals to crisp the skin. It comes out tender and juicy, and goes perfectly with a simple spicy and creamy sauce made with jalapeños and ají amarillo peppers.

Why is Peruvian chicken so good? ›

Incredibly, Unforgettably Flavorful.

The best way that I can describe Peruvian chicken is a spectacular yin and yang between the bracing brightness of the lime and the sultry savoriness of the garlic and cumin. It's special because of its unique sour and spiced taste that's invigorating and comforting at the same time.

How to use aji panca? ›

USES FOR AJI PANCA

Aji Panca is mild with a smokey, fruity taste and used more for flavor and color in foods. It is essential in Peruvian cuisine and used in marinades for beef, pork, and chicken. Commonly a paste is made using the powder along with olive oil and vinegar. Also used in chili dishes.

What is Peruvian seasoning used in? ›

Use McCormick® Culinary Peruvian Seasoning on lamb, chicken bowls, plantains, roasted vegetables or in a signature house-made dipping sauce. Prep Instructions: No preparation necessary. McCormick® Culinary Peruvian Seasoning is ready to use to bring a distinctively warming flavor to Peruvian dishes and beyond.

Is salsa verde the same as green sauce? ›

Salsa Verde, literally green sauce, is a term used to describe a number of green sauces used in various European cuisines including Italian, French and Spanish and then, of course, in Mexican cuisine.

Is Peruvian chicken unhealthy? ›

When you search for the 'best Peruvian chicken near me,' know that it's one the tastiest healthy dishes you can choose. If you're planning to eat something on a busy workday, Peruvian chicken is a great source of healthy protein.

What country is Peruvian chicken from? ›

It all began in the 1940s when Swiss migrant Roger Schuler needed a way to rescue his bankrupt poultry farm on the outskirts of Lima, Peru. To attract customers, he set up a roadside stand peddling all-you-can-eat chicken that he'd skewered on a thick iron spit rod and roasted over an algarrobina (black carob) fire.

What is the Peruvian dish blood? ›

Sangrecita is a Peruvian cuisine dish of chicken blood. It is seasoned with garlic, onion, chili pepper, herbs and prepared with baked potatoes, fried sweet potatoes or cassava.

What is the most delicious chicken in the world? ›

Today the poulet de Bresse has the reputation of being the best quality table chicken in the world.

Why is Peruvian food like Chinese food? ›

Peruvian cuisine is a blend of not only authentic South American dishes but also flavors from Asia, Africa, and Europe. In fact, around three to five percent of the population of Peru has Asian roots. And guess what? The first Asians to arrive in Peru were the Chinese.

What is a good substitute for aji panca? ›

If you need a substitute, chocolatey pasillas can step in, but it's worth seeking out the real thing. Aji panca is a member of the baccatum family of chiles. They're fruity, sweet, and surprisingly complex compared to their better-known cousins like poblanos, jalapeños, and serranos.

What is aji panca in english? ›

Ají panca, Peruvian red pepper, is a variety of Capsicum chinense (a chili pepper) grown in Peru and used in Peruvian cuisine.

Is aji panca healthy? ›

Aji Panca chile peppers are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that can boost immunity and help repair cell damage within the skin. The peppers also contain some iron, potassium, and calcium.

What is green sauce made of? ›

My last green sauce had tarragon, mint, cilantro, garlic, and a jalapeno, blended up with a good glug of white wine vinegar, a pinch of salt, and the end of a container of sour cream. The one before that had a dollop of miso, scallions, arugula, parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice.

What is Peruvian yellow sauce made of? ›

The star ingredient is the aji amarillo chile pepper, a staple in Peruvian cooking. Recipes vary from region to region, and the most authentic recipes do not contain mayonnaise, as this one does. However, the mayonnaise adds a savory creaminess to the condiment that's hard to beat.

What is the most popular sauce in Peru? ›

Salsa de Rocoto is probably one of the most popular Peruvian sauces. This powerful hot sauce is used by Peruvians on virtually any food and an essential dip on every table.

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