Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken
Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that features a tangy, herbal, and smoky marinade delivering juicy, perfectly charred chicken. Inspired by Peru’s beloved street food, this easy-to-prepare recipe uses simple ingredients to create a bold flavor experience that can be grilled or cooked indoors, making it perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes marinating)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
Marinade
- Juice of 2 fresh limes (about 3 tablespoons)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ají amarillo paste (or mild chili paste as substitute)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chopped cilantro, olive oil, ají amarillo paste, salt, and pepper until fully combined and fragrant.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over them, massaging to thoroughly coat each piece. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, ensuring a crisp, charred finish.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, turning occasionally to develop even grill marks. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs as desired.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for best juiciness and taste.
- Control grill heat to avoid burning the marinade sugars while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for a moist and juicy bite.
- Charcoal or wood chip grilling adds authentic smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Peruvian grilled chicken, ají amarillo chicken, smoky grilled chicken, Latin American chicken recipe, tangy chicken marinade, street food chicken, gluten free chicken recipe