Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde

 

Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes

Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories (depending on portion size)

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Tip:

This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde is an incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s easy to make at home and delivers a spicy, tangy kick that rivals the best Peruvian restaurants. The chicken is marinated with bold seasonings, then roasted to perfection, and served with the creamy, vibrant Aji Verde sauce that adds a zesty finish. A perfect combination of heat, herbs, and citrus for an unforgettable meal!

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp paprika (preferably smoked)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Aji Verde Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro (packed)

• 2 medium jalapeños, seeds removed (adjust to your spice preference)

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• 2 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• Salt to taste

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Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) to allow the flavors to soak in.

2. Roast the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

3. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the skin is crispy and golden.

4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

3. Prepare the Aji Verde Sauce:

1. While the chicken is roasting, prepare the Aji Verde sauce.

2. In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, and white vinegar.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and more lime juice if needed. For extra heat, you can add more jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

4. Serve the Chicken:

1. Serve the roasted chicken thighs (or breasts) with a generous drizzle of the Aji Verde sauce on top.

2. Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra lime wedges if desired.

3. Pair with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

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Tips for Saving Energy:

• Use a convection oven if available, as it will help cook the chicken more evenly and efficiently, reducing the overall cook time.

• If you're short on time, you can grill the chicken instead of roasting it in the oven. This will also impart a nice charred flavor.

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Who Should Enjoy This Dish?:

• This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde is perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy, and vibrant flavors.

• Ideal for family dinners, weeknight meals, or when you want to impress guests with a flavorful homemade dish.

• It’s also a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, as the chicken is rich in protein, and the Aji Verde sauce is creamy and satisfying without any carbs.

Who Should Avoid It?:

• People with spicy food sensitivity may want to reduce the amount of jalapeños or cayenne pepper used in the sauce or skip them altogether.

• If you’re allergic to cilantro, substitute it with parsley or basil in the sauce.

• Those following a low-fat diet may want to use a lighter version of the Aji Verde sauce by substituting Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and reducing the olive oil.

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Enjoy this delicious Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde—a bold, flavorful dish that brings the heat with a tangy kick and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen! Perfect for any occasion, it’s way better than anything you’ll find at a restaurant!