Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce

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

Tender chicken thighs pan-seared and glazed with a spicy, tangy aji amarillo sauce inspired by Peruvian flavors. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, aji amarillo paste, garlic cloves, minced 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 320 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp aji amarillo paste, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo 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 Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo 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 Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo 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 Sautéed Peruvian Chicken with Aji Amarillo 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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