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Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 46 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking, ensuring a crisp, charred finish.
  4. 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).
  5. 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

Keywords: Peruvian grilled chicken, ají amarillo chicken, smoky grilled chicken, Latin American chicken recipe, tangy chicken marinade, street food chicken, gluten free chicken recipe