Seared Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken thighs infused with Peruvian spices served alongside a vibrant, creamy aji verde sauce for a bright, tangy complement. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends bone-in 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 450 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: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 6 bone-in chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 6-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare the aji verde sauce by combining 1 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1 seeded medium jalapeño, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each piece with a generous drizzle of the aji verde sauce for a fresh, spicy finish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Seared Peruvian-Style 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 Seared 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 Seared 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.

Is Seared Peruvian-Style Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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