Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy chicken stew made with aji amarillo peppers, bread, and milk, served with boiled potatoes and rice for a comforting Peruvian classic. This peruvian-inspired one pot ready in about 70 minutes pairs (cut into 1-inch cubes) chicken breast, (crushed) bread, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Peruvian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender, combine 4 chopped aji amarillo peppers, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding 1/2 cup water if needed.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 lbs chicken cubes and brown for 3-4 minutes on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add the aji amarillo mixture to the pot, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in 1/2 cup crushed bread, 2 cups whole milk, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot, add 1 1/2 lbs boiled cubed potatoes, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.
  5. Step 5: Serve warm, topped with cooked rice and a sprinkle of crushed bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (crushed) bread from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Authentic Peruvian Aji de Gallina?

Peruvian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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