Roasted Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

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

Juicy roasted chicken marinated with Peruvian spices, served with a vibrant and tangy aji verde sauce to brighten every bite. This Latin American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 85 minutes, pairs whole chicken, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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: 25 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Rub 3 lbs whole chicken all over with 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp paprika, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken on a roasting pan breast side up and roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: While chicken roasts, prepare the aji verde sauce by blending 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 seeded and chopped jalapeño, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tbsp water, and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice until smooth and bright green.
  4. Step 4: Let the roasted chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with generous dollops of aji verde sauce for a fresh, tangy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (25 min prep + 60 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-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 whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted Peruvian-Style 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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