The Best Homemade Peruvian Chicken Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Peruvian Chicken recipe brings bold flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.
- Rich flavors: The marinade combines garlic, spices, and tangy citrus for a mouthwatering taste.
- Simple prep: Just mix the ingredients, marinate the chicken, and let the oven do the work.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, salad, or your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Recipe
Peruvian chicken, also known as Pollo a la Brasa, is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines a blend of spices with a juicy, tender chicken. This recipe offers a homemade take on the classic Peruvian favorite, perfect for replicating the authentic taste in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), spatchcocked
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the white vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, sugar, and lime juice. Whisk until well combined.
- Place the spatchcocked chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F (190°C). If using an oven, place the chicken on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet.
- Cook the chicken for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes:
- Spatchcocking the chicken guarantees even cooking. If you’re not familiar with this technique, you can ask your butcher to do it for you.
- For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Grill or oven
- Wire rack (if using oven)
- Meat thermometer
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cuisine: Peruvian
Serving: 4-6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade Peruvian chicken recipe offers a flavorful and nutritious meal option. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | 25g | 18g | 20g | 3g | 2g | 450mg |
What To Serve With It
When I make Peruvian chicken, I love serving it with traditional sides like cilantro-lime rice or creamy potato salad. You can’t go wrong with grilled veggies or fresh avocado slices, either, since they balance the flavors perfectly. Trust me, these pairings will make your meal feel like a fiesta!
Traditional Side Dishes
Since Peruvian chicken is packed with bold flavors, you’ll want sides that complement it without stealing the show. I love serving it with creamy, garlicky green sauce—it’s a must! A simple side like white rice soaks up the juices, while roasted potatoes add a crispy contrast. Don’t skip the tangy pickled onions—they cut through the richness perfectly. For something fresh, a crisp cabbage slaw or avocado salad works wonders. These traditional sides balance the meal, letting the chicken shine. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never go back to plain old sides again!
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
Though Peruvian chicken stands strong on its own, pairing it with the right drinks and extras can take your meal to the next level. I love serving it with a crisp Peruvian beer or a chilled glass of chicha morada, a sweet purple corn drink. For something fizzy, try Inca Kola—it’s a local favorite. Don’t forget the sides! Bright, zesty sauces like verde or aji amarillo add a kick, while a simple avocado salad balances the flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some fried yuca or plantain chips. These combos turn a great dish into an unforgettable feast!
About The Author
