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Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

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This Peruvian-style roasted chicken is marinated in a blend of bold spices, garlic, lime juice, and soy sauce, giving it a smoky and slightly tangy flavor. It’s traditionally served with a creamy, spicy green sauce called Aji Verde, made from cilantro, jalapeños, and Peruvian yellow pepper paste.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 45 lbs)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground annatto (optional, for color)

For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde):

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 2 jalapeños, seeds removed (or keep seeds for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp Aji Amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow pepper paste) (or sub with more jalapeño)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper


Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  • Pat the chicken dry and place it in a large bowl or resealable bag.
  • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and annatto.
  • Rub this marinade all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Roast the Chicken:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up.
  • Roast for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part.
  • Baste with pan drippings halfway through roasting for extra juiciness.
  • Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

3. Make the Green Sauce:

  • Blend cilantro, jalapeños, Aji Amarillo paste, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Serve & Enjoy:

  • Slice the chicken and serve with Aji Verde on the side.
  • Pair with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • If you prefer grilled Peruvian chicken, cook it over indirect heat on a charcoal or gas grill for 45-50 minutes, turning occasionally.
  • Aji Amarillo paste gives the sauce its authentic Peruvian flavor, but you can substitute with extra jalapeño if unavailable.
  • This dish is best served with Peruvian-style fried potatoes or rice.