Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers

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

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a vibrant aji amarillo sauce, grilled to smoky perfection with a hint of citrus and garlic. This latin american ready in about 27 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, aji amarillo paste, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into 1 1/2-inch pieces and toss thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the 6 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at the edges, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers?

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 aji amarillo paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers?

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 Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Grilled Peruvian Aji Amarillo Chicken Skewers?

Latin American latin american 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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