Grilled Peruvian-Style Pollo a la Brasa with Aji Verde Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in Peruvian spices, served with a vibrant, spicy aji verde cilantro sauce. This peruvian-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends (minced) garlic cloves, ground cumin, paprika into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 (butterflied/spatchcocked) whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs)
- 6 (minced) garlic cloves
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup (packed) cilantro leaves
- 1 (seeded) jalapeño
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp (to thin sauce) water
- 1 (for sauce, minced) garlic clove
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, mix 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp white vinegar, and 3 tbsp olive oil to create a marinade. Rub this mixture all over 1 butterflied whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs). Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill and cook for 20 minutes. Flip and cook another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is charred in spots.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, prepare the aji verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 seeded jalapeño, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 2-3 tbsp water until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the aji verde sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Peruvian-Style Pollo a la Brasa with Aji Verde Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Peruvian-Style Pollo a la Brasa with Aji Verde Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Peruvian-Style Pollo a la Brasa 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 Pollo a la Brasa 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 Pollo a la Brasa with Aji Verde Sauce?
Peruvian chicken 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.
