Recipe

Aji Criollo Peruvian Chicken with Spicy Green Sauce

Peruvian Delight: Aji Criollo Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine with this mouthwatering Aji Criollo recipe. Tender chicken marinated in a blend of aromatic spices, cooked to perfection, and served with a zesty green sauce that adds a delightful kick to every bite.

Salsa› Aji Criollo

Cuisine of the Americas› South American cuisine› Peruvian cuisine

Preparation time

15 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Total time

2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if using dairy-free mayonnaise), Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Paleo-friendly

Allergens

Garlic, Eggs (in mayonnaise)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Vegetarian, Nut-free, Egg-free, Soy-free

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika 2 teaspoons paprika
2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
For the green sauce: For the green sauce:
1/2 cup aji amarillo paste 1/2 cup aji amarillo paste
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 cloves of garlic 2 cloves of garlic
Juice of 2 limes Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Salt to taste Salt to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
Carbohydrates: 5g (Sugars: 1g)
Protein: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1.
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, aji amarillo paste, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
2.
Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5.
Meanwhile, prepare the green sauce by blending the aji amarillo paste, cilantro leaves, garlic, lime juice, mayonnaise, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.
6.
Serve the grilled chicken with a generous drizzle of the green sauce on top. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

Aji Amarillo Paste — Aji amarillo paste is a key ingredient in Peruvian cuisine. If you can't find it in your local stores, you can substitute it with a mix of yellow bell pepper and a small amount of habanero pepper for heat.
Cilantro — Make sure to use fresh cilantro leaves for the green sauce as it adds a vibrant and aromatic flavor to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken over charcoal instead of using a gas grill.
Adjust the amount of aji amarillo paste in the marinade and green sauce according to your spice preference.
If you prefer a spicier green sauce, add a small amount of fresh jalapeno or serrano pepper to the blender.

Serving advice

Serve the Aji Criollo chicken with steamed white rice and a side of Peruvian-style corn on the cob for a complete and authentic Peruvian meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on a platter and drizzle the vibrant green sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for an appealing presentation.