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Why This Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde Recipe Works

What You’ll Need for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

How to Make Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Serving and Storage Tips for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Mistakes to Avoid while making Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Conclusion

Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Name: Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 limes fresh lime juice; 2 tbsp + extra olive oil; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 peppers green chili peppers, seeded

Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde brings the vibrant flavors of Peru straight to your kitchen with its tender, spiced chicken and signature green sauce. This beloved dish combines perfectly marinated chicken with a creamy cilantro-based sauce that delivers both heat and freshness. The recipe offers an affordable way to experience authentic Peruvian cuisine, typically costing under $15 to feed a family of four. Rich in protein and packed with antioxidants from fresh herbs, this dish makes an excellent choice for family gatherings, weekend dinners, or when you want to impress guests with something unique yet approachable.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Budget-friendly meal that costs less than $15 for four servings while delivering restaurant-quality flavors
Packed with lean protein from chicken and antioxidants from fresh cilantro and lime juice
Simple 30-minute marination creates incredibly tender, flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth
Vibrant green sauce adds a perfect balance of heat and creaminess without overwhelming spice
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests with an exotic yet familiar taste

Why This Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde Recipe Works

The magic lies in the perfect balance of marinade timing and fresh ingredients. The 30-minute marination allows the garlic, cumin, and lime to penetrate the chicken without over-tenderizing it. This timing ensures juicy meat with a beautiful golden crust when seared.

The aji verde sauce gets its signature taste from the combination of fresh cilantro and green chilies. Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, this version relies on olive oil for richness, making it lighter yet satisfying. The sauce’s vibrant color comes from chlorophyll in fresh herbs, indicating high nutritional value.

Cooking the chicken to exactly 165°F ensures food safety while maintaining moisture. The high-heat searing creates a Maillard reaction, developing complex flavors that complement the bright, herbaceous sauce perfectly.

What You’ll Need for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity (Approx)	Purpose / Notes
Boneless chicken breasts	4 pieces	Main protein, provides lean meat base
Fresh garlic	4 cloves, minced	Aromatic base, adds depth to marinade
Cumin powder	2 tsp	Earthy warmth, signature Peruvian spice
Smoked paprika	1 tsp	Adds smokiness and beautiful color
Fresh lime juice	2 limes	Tenderizes meat, adds brightness
Olive oil	2 tbsp + extra	Cooking fat, sauce base
Long-grain rice	1 cup	Starchy base to absorb flavors
Low-sodium chicken broth	1 cup	Flavors rice, adds depth
Fresh cilantro leaves	1 cup	Main sauce ingredient, antioxidant source
Green chili peppers	2 peppers, seeded	Heat source, signature green color

Tools

Tool	Purpose
Mixing bowl	Combines marinade ingredients evenly
Large skillet	Sears chicken for perfect browning
Medium saucepan	Cooks rice to fluffy perfection
Food processor or blender	Creates smooth, creamy green sauce
Meat thermometer	Ensures safe internal temperature
Sharp knife	Slices chicken into serving portions

How to Make Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Step	Instructions
1. Marinate Chicken	Mix minced garlic, cumin powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and olive oil in a bowl. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly and marinate for 30 minutes minimum
2. Sear Chicken	Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
3. Prepare Rice	Rinse rice under cold water until clear. Combine with chicken broth in saucepan, bring to boil, then reduce to simmer until tender and fluffy
4. Make Aji Verde	Blend cilantro leaves, green chili peppers, lime juice, and olive oil until completely smooth and creamy
5. Serve	Slice cooked chicken into strips, serve over rice with generous dollops of green sauce

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and faster marination
Remove chili seeds gradually and taste-test to control heat level perfectly
Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness
Add ice cubes while blending sauce to maintain vibrant green color
Toast cumin in a dry pan for 30 seconds before using for enhanced flavor depth

Serving and Storage Tips for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Serving Tips

Serve immediately while chicken is hot and rice is fluffy. The contrast between warm protein and cool, fresh sauce creates the perfect temperature balance. Garnish with extra cilantro leaves and lime wedges for added freshness.

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a light salad. For larger gatherings, consider serving with Ultimate Chicken Casserole as an additional option.

Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the aji verde sauce separate to maintain its vibrant color and fresh taste. Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Don’t skip the marination time, even if you’re in a rush. The 30-minute minimum allows flavors to penetrate properly. Rushing this step results in bland, tough chicken that lacks the signature taste.

Avoid overcooking the chicken beyond 165°F internal temperature. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and stringy, ruining the dish’s texture. Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.

Never add too much liquid to the aji verde sauce. Start with minimal olive oil and lime juice, then adjust gradually. Too much liquid creates a thin, watery sauce that won’t cling to the chicken properly.

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You Must Know

Always use fresh cilantro leaves only, avoiding stems which can make the sauce bitter
Green chilies vary in heat significantly, so start with less and adjust to taste preferences
Chicken must reach 165°F internal temperature for food safety, no exceptions
Store aji verde sauce separately from chicken to maintain optimal texture and color

Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde

Transform this recipe by substituting chicken thighs for richer flavor and added juiciness. The dark meat holds up beautifully to the bold spices and stays moist longer than breast meat.

For vegetarian guests, try this technique with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks. The marinade and sauce work wonderfully with plant-based proteins, creating an equally satisfying meal.

Experiment with different rice varieties like jasmine or basmati for unique flavor profiles. You could also serve over quinoa for added protein and a nuttier taste that complements the Peruvian theme.

Consider making extra aji verde sauce to use throughout the week. It’s fantastic on grilled vegetables, fish, or even as a sandwich spread. The sauce keeps its vibrant flavor for up to 5 days refrigerated.

For inspiration on other flavorful dishes, check out this Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken recipe or explore Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for more weeknight dinner ideas.

FAQs:

Can I make Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the aji verde sauce 2 days ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator and cook the chicken just before serving for best results.

How spicy is traditional Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde?

The heat level is typically mild to moderate. You control the spice by adjusting the amount of green chilies and removing seeds. Start with less and add more according to your family’s preferences.

What can I substitute for cilantro in the aji verde sauce?

Fresh parsley works as a substitute, though it changes the authentic flavor profile. You could also try fresh basil for a different but delicious variation of the green sauce.

Is Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde healthy?

Absolutely! It’s high in lean protein, contains antioxidants from fresh herbs, and uses minimal oil. One serving provides approximately 380 calories with excellent nutritional balance.

Can I freeze the aji verde sauce?

While possible, freezing affects the sauce’s texture and vibrant color. Fresh herbs don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make the sauce fresh or store it refrigerated for up to one week maximum.

Conclusion

Peruvian Chicken Aji Verde delivers authentic South American flavors without complex techniques or expensive ingredients. This recipe proves that restaurant-quality meals can be achieved at home with simple preparation and fresh ingredients.

The combination of perfectly spiced chicken and vibrant green sauce creates a memorable dining experience that works for both casual family dinners and special occasions. With its impressive presentation and bold flavors, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.

For more international flavor inspiration, explore this Peruvian Roasted Chicken recipe or try our Keto Cloud Cake for a light dessert to complete your Peruvian-inspired meal.

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