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Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Peruvian

Description

This Peruvian-style roasted chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) is marinated with a blend of garlic, spices, and citrus, then roasted until perfectly crispy and juicy. It’s served with Aji Verde, a creamy, spicy green sauce made with fresh herbs, jalapeños, and lime. Pair it with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons white vinegar or lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Aji Amarillo paste (optional, for authentic flavor)

For the Aji Verde (Green Sauce):

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded (or leave seeds for extra heat)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and rub the marinade all over, including under the skin.
  3. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Roast the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Place the chicken on a roasting rack or baking sheet, breast-side up.
  3. Roast for 45–50 minutes, basting occasionally with pan juices.
  4. Check for doneness: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  5. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

3. Make the Green Sauce

  1. Blend all Aji Verde ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Serve

  1. Slice the roasted chicken and serve with Aji Verde on the side. Enjoy with roasted potatoes, rice, or salad!

Notes

Grill Option: Grill over medium heat for 40–50 minutes, turning occasionally.

Extra Spicy Sauce? Add a serrano pepper or leave the jalapeño seeds in.

Make it Dairy-Free: Use all mayo instead of yogurt.