Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in traditional Peruvian spices, served with a vibrant, tangy Aji Verde sauce made from fresh cilantro and jalapeños. This latin american ready in about 85 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, garlic cloves, minced, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 6 bone-in chicken thighs with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp and charred in spots.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the Aji Verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 small seeded jalapeño, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 garlic clove, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of the vibrant Aji Verde sauce over each piece.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 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-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce?

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-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce 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-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce?

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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