Roasted Peruvian-Spiced Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

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

Juicy roasted chicken seasoned with traditional Peruvian spices paired with a vibrant, tangy Aji Verde sauce for dipping. This latin american ready in about 90 minutes pairs whole chicken, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (7 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over a 3-4 lb whole chicken, then drizzle and rub in 3 tbsp olive oil. Place chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan.
  2. Step 2: Roast chicken for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden and crisp. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, prepare Aji Verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 seeded medium jalapeño, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 large garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2-3 tbsp water in a blender until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Serve carved chicken with a side of Aji Verde sauce for dipping, adding an herbaceous and slightly spicy contrast to the roasted meat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Peruvian-Spiced Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Roasted Peruvian-Spiced 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 whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Peruvian-Spiced 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 Roasted Peruvian-Spiced Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce 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 Roasted Peruvian-Spiced 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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