Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe

Name: Peruvian Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2 limes); 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

Published: May 14, 2025

by Ezra

Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Grilled Chicken

For more inspiration, check out this Whole30 Sloppy Joes recipe.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Peruvian Grilled Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and acidity to the marinade
Cumin and Paprika: These spices provide warmth and depth; opt for high-quality varieties for enhanced flavor

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Peruvian Grilled Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, and soy sauce. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Prepare your grill by preheating it to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using a charcoal grill, light the coals until they are glowing red.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade as it has come into contact with raw chicken.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill grates. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about five minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all chicken pieces are of similar thickness for consistent cooking times
Marinating Time: For deeper flavor penetration, marinate overnight if possible
Resting Period: Allowing meat to rest after grilling enhances juiciness

How to Serve Peruvian Grilled Chicken

This Peruvian Grilled Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the marinade ingredients, coat the chicken, and refrigerate it in an airtight container.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken for up to three months.
Reheating: To maintain quality, reheat grilled chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a microwave on medium power for about five minutes, but check frequently to avoid drying out.

Suggestions for Peruvian Grilled Chicken :

Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

When making Peruvian grilled chicken, selecting the right cut is essential. Breasts can dry out if overcooked, while thighs remain juicy and flavorful. Opting for bone-in, skin-on thighs offers a balance of flavor and moisture that enhances your dish. Marinating the chicken is equally important to infuse it with rich flavors typical of Peruvian cuisine. healthy side dishes for grilled chicken The marinade, which often includes ingredients like garlic, cumin, and lime juice, helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to every bite. Always consider your cooking method—grilling over charcoal imparts a smoky flavor that elevates this dish.

Don’t Skip the Marinade Time

One common mistake is not allowing enough time for marinating your chicken. For optimal flavor absorption, marinate your chicken for at least four hours, but overnight is best. This extended time lets the spices penetrate deeply into the meat. If you’re in a hurry, even 30 minutes can help; however, this won’t yield the same depth of flavor. Ensure you use a non-reactive container or a resealable plastic bag to avoid any metallic taste from the marinade. Remember, patience pays off when preparing Peruvian grilled chicken.

Monitor Grill Temperature

Getting the grill temperature right is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked Peruvian grilled chicken. Too high a temperature can char the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Aim for medium heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C). Preheat your grill adequately before placing the chicken on it; this helps create those beautiful grill marks we all love. perfect tropical side for grilled meals If you’re using charcoal, arrange coals to provide direct and indirect heat zones. This allows you to control cooking and avoid burning while ensuring that your chicken cooks evenly.

Resting After Cooking

Many people overlook resting their grilled chicken after cooking, but this step significantly impacts juiciness and flavor retention. Allow your Peruvian grilled chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period lets juices redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when cut into immediately. Covering the chicken loosely with foil during this time helps maintain warmth without steaming it too much. By mastering this technique, you’ll ensure each bite is as succulent as intended.

FAQs :

What makes Peruvian Grilled Chicken unique?

Peruvian grilled chicken stands out due to its vibrant marinade made from spices readily available in Peru, including garlic, cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs like cilantro. The addition of citrus juices such as lime or orange brightens up flavors and tenderizes the meat effectively. This unique combination creates layers of taste that you won’t find in traditional grilled chicken recipes from other cuisines. Furthermore, grilling methods often involve using charcoal or wood fires which impart a smoky essence that uniquely complements these bold flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe.

Can I use other meats for this recipe?

Yes! While traditional Peruvian grilled chicken features poultry as its star ingredient, you can easily adapt this recipe using other meats like pork or beef. Each alternative brings its unique texture and flavor profile to the dish; however, be mindful of adjusting cooking times based on thickness and type of meat used. For example, pork steaks cook faster than whole chickens but may need similar marinades for optimal flavor infusion. Experimenting with different meats can lead to exciting variations while still respecting the essence of Peruvian cuisine.

How do I know when my Peruvian Grilled Chicken is done?

To ensure your Peruvian grilled chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry or undercooked, use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) at its thickest part for safe consumption. Alternatively, you can perform a simple visual check: juices should run clear when pierced with a knife or fork rather than pink or red. If unsure about doneness after grilling thoroughly on both sides, allow extra time on indirect heat until fully cooked.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Preparing Peruvian grilled chicken in advance can help streamline meal prep without sacrificing flavor! You can marinate your chicken up to 24 hours ahead of grilling; just remember to keep it refrigerated during this time to prevent spoilage. Once cooked and cooled down slightly after resting post-grilling session, feel free to store leftover pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage options—perfect for reheating later!

Conclusion for Peruvian Grilled Chicken :

In summary, crafting delicious Peruvian grilled chicken requires attention to detail at every stage—from selecting quality cuts and allowing ample marination time to monitoring grill temperatures carefully and letting the meat rest afterwards. Master these techniques to enhance both flavors and texture significantly while enjoying this popular dish inspired by Peru’s rich culinary heritage. exploring spicy chicken dishes Don’t forget that experimentation with different meats or side dishes will only further elevate your dining experience! With practice and patience, you’ll consistently impress friends and family with homemade Peruvian grilled chicken that’s bursting with authentic taste.

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