Zesty Peruvian Chicken Recipe: Flavor Explosion in Minutes

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors that transport you instantly, and this sizzling Peruvian chicken recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Marinated in a vibrant blend of zesty spices, the chicken promises an explosion of taste with every bite.

The secret lies in the carefully crafted marinade that infuses each piece with authentic Peruvian depth.

Tender meat absorbs complex seasonings like aji amarillo, garlic, and cumin, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Perfectly charred edges seal in the juiciness, making this dish a standout at any meal.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

You’ll want to serve this chicken with rice, salsa, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Peruvian Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful cut that absorbs marinade beautifully and promises juicy, succulent results.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that adds deep, pungent flavor and provides natural antibacterial properties.
• Soy Sauce: Salty umami foundation that tenderizes meat and enhances overall taste profile.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that helps break down proteins and adds zesty freshness.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps distribute flavors and promotes even cooking.
• Cumin: Earthy spice with warm, nutty undertones that brings authentic Peruvian character.
• Paprika: Vibrant red seasoning offering subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Herbaceous note that contributes traditional Mediterranean-inspired complexity.
• Black Pepper: Spicy kick that adds depth and subtle heat to the marinade.

• Jalapeños, Green Onions: Fresh, spicy peppers that create a zingy, vibrant base with layers of heat.
• Cilantro Leaves: Bright, citrusy herb that provides classic Latin American flavor profile.
• Garlic: Additional aromatic layer that amplifies sauce's intensity and depth.
• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy foundation that creates smooth, rich texture with tangy undertones.
• Lime Juice: Citrus element that balances richness and adds refreshing brightness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances and harmonizes all sauce ingredients.

What Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise for accurate marinade and seasoning amounts.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for trimming chicken and chopping herbs.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients.
• Grill or baking sheet: Key for cooking chicken with even heat.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken safely during cooking.
• Aluminum foil: Helpful for covering and resting chicken after cooking.

Steps to Make Sizzling Chicken

• Chicken Marinade Magic

Blend aromatic spices, citrus, and herbs to create a vibrant flavor bath for the chicken. Coat every inch of the meat with the zesty mixture, allowing it to soak up the Peruvian-inspired seasonings for maximum taste explosion.

• Temperature Perfection

Fire up the grill or crank the oven to ensure a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The key is achieving that golden-brown crust while keeping the meat tender and succulent. Watch for those beautiful char marks that scream deliciousness.

• Resting Ritual

After cooking, let the chicken take a quick breather. This crucial pause allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing each bite is as mouthwatering as the last. Patience transforms good chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience.

• Serving Sensation

Slice the chicken with confidence, revealing the perfectly cooked interior. Arrange on a platter that showcases its vibrant colors and tantalizing texture. Pair with your favorite sides to create a meal that transports taste buds straight to Peru.

Spice Tips & Marinade Options

• Flavor Boosting Marinade Magic: Let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight for deeper, more intense flavors that penetrate every fiber of the meat, creating a truly authentic Peruvian taste experience.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by modifying the amount of aji amarillo paste or adding extra chili pepper for those who love a fiery kick, or reducing it for milder palates.
• Perfect Grill Marks Technique: Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure beautiful caramelization and those stunning restaurant-quality char lines that add incredible texture and smoky flavor.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: Don't have a grill? No worries! Oven-roasting or using a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully, delivering equally delicious results with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Leftover Transformation: Shred remaining chicken for killer tacos, salads, or sandwiches – the robust Peruvian seasonings make any leftover dish taste like a gourmet meal within minutes.

Serving Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Arrange golden-brown chicken pieces over a bed of cilantro-lime rice, creating a vibrant color contrast that makes the dish pop with authentic Peruvian flair.
• Zesty Side Companion: Pair the chicken with a tangy green aji sauce or a fresh tomato-onion salsa to complement the rich, spicy marinade and add an extra layer of exciting flavor.
• Family-Style Sharing Spread: Serve the chicken on a large platter surrounded by roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, and warm tortillas, encouraging everyone to create their own delicious bites and enjoy a communal dining experience.
• Weekend Feast Finale: Top the chicken with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro, and add a squeeze of lime for brightness, transforming this main course into a memorable meal that celebrates Peruvian culinary traditions.

Smart Storage Tips for Juicy Chicken

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and retain juicy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, which can extend the chicken's life up to 3 months without compromising flavor or quality.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare marinade and chicken in advance, keeping raw marinated meat refrigerated for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to intensify while simplifying weeknight dinner preparation.

Zesty Peruvian Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Tender, juicy Sizzling Peruvian Chicken invites diners on a culinary journey through Peru’s rich flavor landscape. Marinade ingredients blend seamless spices with zesty citrus, creating a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lime juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tsps cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Black pepper to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
• 3 jalapeños, seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend garlic, cumin, paprika, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, and salt into a vibrant, aromatic liquid mixture that will infuse the chicken with bold Peruvian flavors.
2. Marinating Process: Completely coat chicken pieces in the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coverage and seal in a container. Refrigerate for 8 hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
3. Temperature Equilibration: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature for uniform heat distribution and more consistent cooking.
4. Cooking Preparation: Heat cooking surface to medium-high temperature (350°F), creating an ideal environment for searing and caramelizing the marinated chicken.
5. Grilling/Roasting Technique: Cook chicken for 10-12 minutes total, rotating halfway through to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after cooking, enabling juice redistribution. Plate and garnish with fresh herbs or a lime wedge to enhance the vibrant Peruvian-inspired dish.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in the robust blend for 8-12 hours to maximize flavor absorption and meat tenderness.
• Temperature Matters: Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and perfect texture.
• Cooking Precision: Grill or roast at 350°F, turning once to achieve golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior.
• Safety First: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and ensuring delicious, safe protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg