Peruvian-Inspired Roasted Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

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

Juicy roasted chicken thighs paired with a vibrant, tangy Aji Verde sauce made from fresh cilantro and jalapeños, inspired by Peruvian flavors. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly onto 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 seeded medium jalapeño, 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 large garlic clove, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Serve the roasted chicken thighs hot with a generous drizzle of the Aji Verde sauce on top or on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Peruvian-Inspired Roasted Chicken 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 Peruvian-Inspired Roasted Chicken 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 Peruvian-Inspired Roasted 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 Peruvian-Inspired Roasted 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 Peruvian-Inspired Roasted Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce?

Latin American 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.

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