Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

If you’re craving a flavorful, vibrant, and downright irresistible meal, look no further than Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde). This dish combines the smoky allure of perfectly grilled chicken with the zesty, spicy creaminess of Aji Verde, a traditional Peruvian green sauce. Bursting with bold flavors and packed with fresh ingredients, this recipe transports you to the heart of Peru, where the delicate balance of spices, heat, and creaminess is a hallmark of every meal.

What Makes Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken So Special?

Peruvian cuisine is a rich fusion of indigenous ingredients, Spanish influences, and other international flavors brought by immigrants. The hallmark of Peruvian cooking is its ability to balance strong, bold flavors with fresh, vibrant ingredients. When it comes to grilled meats, one of the standout dishes is Pollo a la Brasa—a famous Peruvian rotisserie chicken that’s seasoned with a variety of spices, herbs, and sometimes even a touch of citrus. This grilled chicken recipe is inspired by this culinary tradition but with a twist: the addition of the creamy, bright Aji Verde sauce.

The key to making Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken stand out is the marinade, which is typically made up of garlic, cumin, paprika, lime, and other spices that infuse the chicken with deep flavor. But the true star of the dish is the Aji Verde sauce, a creamy, slightly spicy green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, and mayonnaise. It adds a whole new dimension to the dish, transforming simple grilled chicken into an explosion of taste.

The Importance of Aji Verde Sauce

Aji Verde sauce is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. The word “aji” refers to chili peppers, and Aji Verde is made using fresh green chili peppers, typically Aji Amarillo, though jalapeños or serranos are often used as substitutes. This sauce brings together the heat of the chili peppers with the cooling creaminess of ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt. It’s a flavor-packed accompaniment that perfectly balances grilled meats, fried foods, or roasted vegetables.

What makes this sauce so special is its versatility. While it’s often used to complement grilled chicken, you can easily drizzle it over roasted vegetables, dip crispy fries into it, or even spread it on sandwiches and wraps. Its bright, fresh flavor profile makes it an ideal complement to the smoky, savory grilled chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this dish, you will need two main components: the grilled chicken and the Aji Verde sauce. The combination of these two elements is what makes this meal unforgettable.

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra heat)

For the Aji Verde Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños (adjust depending on your heat preference)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Water to adjust consistency (optional)

How to Make Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

1. Marinate the Chicken

The first step to achieving the flavor-packed grilled chicken is marinating it. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, lime juice, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Mix everything together until a smooth paste forms.

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bowl and use your hands (or tongs) to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. It’s best to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the chicken to absorb the spices and tenderize, ensuring a juicy and flavorful end result.

2. Prepare the Aji Verde Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the Aji Verde sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, white vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you like a thicker consistency, you can add more sour cream or yogurt. If you want a thinner sauce, add a little water to reach the desired consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken slightly once refrigerated, so make it slightly thinner if you plan to store it for later use.

Once you’ve blended everything to perfection, transfer the Aji Verde sauce to a small bowl and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance, making it an ideal option for meal prep.

3. Grill the Chicken

Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.

Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside with a slight char, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

During the grilling process, brush the chicken with any remaining marinade for extra flavor. If you prefer to cook the chicken on an outdoor grill, make sure to monitor the heat carefully to avoid burning, adjusting the heat as necessary.

4. Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken is perfectly grilled, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Slice the chicken into strips or serve the breasts whole, depending on your preference.

To serve, plate the grilled chicken and drizzle generously with the creamy, spicy Aji Verde sauce. You can garnish with additional cilantro leaves, a wedge of lime, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese if you like. The bright green sauce adds a beautiful contrast to the golden-brown chicken, making it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Customization Ideas

While this dish is incredible as-is, there are a few variations you can try to suit your tastes.

• Spicy Version: Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Aji Verde sauce for an added kick.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Grill portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks in place of chicken for a delicious vegetarian option. You can still drizzle the Aji Verde sauce over them for the same creamy, spicy flavor.
• Add Extra Vegetables: Serve the grilled chicken on top of a bed of grilled vegetables, such as peppers, onions, or zucchini, for a wholesome, hearty meal.
• Taco Twist: Serve the grilled chicken and Aji Verde sauce in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese for a flavorful taco experience.

Serving Suggestions

This Peruvian-style grilled chicken with Aji Verde sauce is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• With Rice and Beans: A classic pairing, serve the chicken with a side of cilantro lime rice and black beans for a filling and satisfying meal.
• In a Salad: Place the grilled chicken on top of a fresh salad with lettuce, avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a lighter option.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with greens, tomatoes, and a generous amount of Aji Verde sauce for a delicious handheld meal.

Conclusion

The Peruvian-Style Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is a mouthwatering dish that brings bold flavors and bright, fresh ingredients into your kitchen. The smoky, juicy grilled chicken perfectly complements the creamy, spicy Aji Verde sauce, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a weekend feast, or a meal prep option, this recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and versatility.

So fire up the grill, get your ingredients ready, and treat yourself to this tantalizing dish. It’s a perfect introduction to the world of Peruvian cuisine, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the irresistible flavors.