Sizzling Peruvian Chicken Recipe

Spicy Sizzling Peruvian Chicken Recipe That Dazzles

Sizzling Peruvian chicken brings a burst of vibrant flavors that dance across your palate with intense zest.

Culinary enthusiasts crave this remarkable dish for its bold marinades and complex spice combinations.

The recipe elevates ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal that captures South American culinary traditions.

Intense seasonings and carefully balanced ingredients create a memorable dining experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Each bite promises a journey through rich, authentic flavor profiles that celebrate regional cooking techniques.

Marinating elevates simple chicken into a spectacular centerpiece that impresses family and friends alike.

Passionate home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-quality sensation in their own kitchen.

Tricks for Juicy, Crispy Peruvian Chicken

  • Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure deep flavor penetration and maximum tenderness.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
  • Char with Care: For authentic Peruvian-style grilling, create moderate heat zones on the grill to achieve beautiful caramelization without burning the exterior.
  • Rest and Relax: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat incredibly moist.
  • Spice Boost: Enhance the dish's authenticity by serving with extra aji verde sauce on the side, letting diners adjust heat and flavor to their preference.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing That Char

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Peruvian chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
  • Freeze: Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

What Tastes Great Next to This Bold Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Chile or New Zealand to complement the bold Peruvian spices and cut through the rich chicken flavors.
  • Serve Alongside Refreshing Salsa Verde: Prepare a tangy green salsa with cilantro, jalapeños, and lime to brighten the dish and add a fresh, herbal counterpoint to the grilled chicken.
  • Match with Creamy Peruvian Side Dish: Add some traditional papas a la huancaína (potatoes with spicy cheese sauce) to create an authentic and satisfying meal that echoes the chicken's vibrant flavor profile.
  • Cool Down with Chilled Beer: Select a light lager or Peruvian Cusqueña beer to balance the dish's heat and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the sizzling grilled chicken.

Flavor Boosters to Change Up Your Peruvian Chicken

  • Spicy Verde Chicken: Replace traditional marinade with a green herb sauce using cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and lime juice for an extra zesty kick.
  • Citrus Fusion Chicken: Incorporate orange and grapefruit juices into the marinade, adding a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the traditional Peruvian spices.
  • Smoky Grilled Version: Use a mix of paprika, chipotle powder, and smoked salt to create a deeper, more intense smoky flavor while maintaining the authentic Peruvian chicken style.
  • Oven-Roasted Herb Chicken: Swap grilling for a slow roasting method with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, creating a more tender and aromatic dish that keeps the essence of the original recipe.

What’s So Good About Peruvian Chicken?

  • Savor Explosive Flavor Combinations: This Peruvian chicken bursts with vibrant spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, creating a mouthwatering blend that dances across your taste buds with authentic South American zest.
  • Master Quick and Simple Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes cooking time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without requiring professional chef skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Enjoy Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling at 350°F or baking at 500°F, this recipe offers flexible techniques that ensure juicy, perfectly cooked chicken with a delicious golden-brown exterior every single time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein Powerhouse: Packed with 731 calories per serving and designed to feed four people, this dish provides a hearty, nutritious meal that satisfies hungry family members and impresses dinner guests with its bold, irresistible Peruvian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients That Fire Up the Flavor

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful cut of meat that absorbs marinades beautifully, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Lime Juice: Provides tangy and savory base for tenderizing and flavoring the chicken.
  • Garlic: Adds robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates smooth marinade consistency.
  • Cumin, Paprika, Dried Oregano: Classic Peruvian spice blend that adds depth and traditional South American flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and enhances overall seasoning.
Green Sauce Ingredients:
  • Jalapeños, Green Onions: Fresh peppers that bring heat and sharp green flavor to the sauce.
  • Cilantro Leaves: Bright, herbal component that is quintessential in Latin American cuisine.
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent undertone to the green sauce.
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that creates smooth and rich sauce texture.
  • Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness of the sauce.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients and create silky consistency.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance overall sauce flavor.

Making Sizzling Chicken the Easy Way

Step 1: Create Magic Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together until perfectly blended. The mixture should look vibrant and smell incredible. Massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring every inch is coated with delicious flavors. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours- overnight is even better for maximum taste explosion!

Step 2: Prep Cooking Surface

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). If using an oven, crank it up to 500°F. Clean and oil your grill grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful char marks.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Place marinated chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. Watch for those gorgeous golden-brown marks that scream deliciousness! Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature- you want it to hit 165°F for safe and juicy chicken.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the meat super juicy. Slice and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or crispy potatoes.

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Sizzling Peruvian Chicken Recipe

Sizzling Peruvian Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Peruvian chicken brings zesty South American flavors to your dinner table with its bold marinade and juicy grilled perfection. Spicy herbs, citrus notes, and smoky char create an irresistible dish sure to become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless

Spices and Herbs:

  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Black pepper to taste

Marinade and Seasoning:

  • ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, peeled

Green Sauce (Aji Verde) – Protein and Dairy:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) Greek yogurt

Herbs and Vegetables:

  • 3 jalapeños, seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled

Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by blending garlic, cumin, paprika, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil, and salt into a vibrant, aromatic liquid mixture.
  2. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the marinade, ensuring each surface is completely covered and infused with the robust Peruvian-inspired flavors.
  3. Allow the chicken to marinate in a sealed container, refrigerating for at least 8 hours to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
  5. Preheat the cooking surface to medium-high heat, targeting around 350°F for optimal searing and caramelization.
  6. Place the marinated chicken on the grill or in the oven, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side to achieve a golden-brown exterior and succulent interior.
  7. Check the chicken’s doneness by verifying the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety.
  8. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, flavorful result.
  9. Serve the sizzling Peruvian chicken hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of brightness.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for deep, rich flavors that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
  • Cooking temperatures matter – use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly safe and juicy results.
  • Grilling creates delicious char marks and smoky essence, transforming ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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