Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is an incredibly delicious and vibrant dish that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine. The star of the show is the succulent roasted chicken, perfectly seasoned and served with a zesty, creamy green sauce called Aji Verde. This vibrant sauce is a mixture of fresh herbs, spicy aji amarillo peppers, and cilantro, giving the dish a fresh, aromatic, and mildly spicy flavor profile that complements the juicy, tender chicken.
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a special weekend meal, or simply craving something packed with bold flavors, this dish will impress your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Flavor-packed – The combination of spices and tangy green sauce elevates the chicken to new heights.
✔ Tender, juicy chicken – Roasted to perfection with a crispy, golden skin.
✔ Creamy and zesty sauce – The Aji Verde sauce adds a kick of heat and freshness with every bite.
✔ Easy to make – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
✔ Versatile – Serve with rice, potatoes, or even a salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Aji Verde Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2-3 aji amarillo peppers (or substitute with yellow bell peppers if unavailable)
- 1 small jalapeño pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water (to adjust consistency)
How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 15-30 minutes, or longer if you have time to let the flavors develop.
Step 2: Roast the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
- Once the pan is hot, place the chicken pieces skin-side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Flip the chicken over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy.
Step 3: Make the Aji Verde Sauce
- While the chicken is roasting, prepare the Aji Verde sauce.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, aji amarillo peppers, jalapeño (if using), mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic, and olive oil.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. It should be creamy but pourable.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the chicken is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken with a generous drizzle of Aji Verde sauce on top, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Pair the chicken with rice, fried potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate without side dishes)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde
🔥 Adjust the heat – If you prefer a milder sauce, omit the jalapeño or reduce the number of aji amarillo peppers. If you love spice, add extra peppers!
🔥 Grill the chicken – For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken over medium heat instead of roasting it.
🔥 Make ahead – You can prepare the Aji Verde sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors develop even more after sitting overnight.
🔥 Add a crunch – Top the chicken with crispy fried onions or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
🔥 Pair with sides – Serve with Peruvian-style rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple avocado salad for a more complete meal.
What to Serve with Peruvian Chicken
🍚 Peruvian Rice – Serve your chicken with a side of fluffy white rice or rice with cilantro and lime to balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A crisp, light green salad with a citrusy dressing complements the bold flavors of the chicken.
🍠 Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes make for the perfect accompaniment.
🍞 Crusty Bread – Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the remaining Aji Verde sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish with other proteins?
Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with pork, beef, or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you’re using.
Can I freeze the chicken and sauce?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken and the Aji Verde sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if I can’t find Aji Amarillo peppers?
If Aji Amarillo peppers aren’t available, you can substitute them with yellow bell peppers or a combination of yellow chili peppers and a touch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde
✨ Packed with flavor – The Aji Verde sauce is a perfect combination of creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors.
✨ Perfect for meal prep – Make extra chicken and sauce to have leftovers for the next day.
✨ Restaurant-quality at home – You can enjoy this delicious Peruvian dish without leaving your kitchen.
✨ Versatile – Easily adaptable for different proteins and sides, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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