π΅πͺ Peruvian Chicken Recipe (Pollo a la Brasa)
Crispy, juicy, herb-marinated Peruvian roast chicken packed with garlic, lime, cumin, and smoky spices — a bold and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Peruvian Chicken Recipe
- ✔ Authentic Peruvian flavors with a perfectly seasoned marinade
- ✔ Juicy, tender chicken with crispy, golden skin
- ✔ Bold blend of garlic, lime, cumin, paprika, and herbs
- ✔ Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- ✔ Perfect for grilling, roasting, or air frying
- ✔ Pairs beautifully with Peruvian Green Sauce, fries, rice, or salad
- ✔ Great for family dinners, meal prep, and backyard barbecues
- ✔ Naturally high in protein and incredibly satisfying
- ✔ Easy to customize the spice level to your taste
- ✔ Better than restaurant-style Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) ππ₯π΅πͺ✨
⭐ Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5–1.8 kg), patted dry
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp Peruvian ajΓ amarillo paste (optional but traditional)
- 1 tbsp honey (for caramelization)
⭐ Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
Mix olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, pepper, salt, ajΓ amarillo paste, and honey in a bowl until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Rub the marinade all over the chicken — including under the skin and inside the cavity.
Marinate:
- Minimum: 3 hours
- Best: Overnight in the refrigerator
3. Roast the Chicken
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Place chicken on a rack over a baking tray.
Bake for:
- 425°F / 220°C for 20 minutes
- Reduce to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 50–60 minutes
- Baste halfway through for extra flavor
Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
4. Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest 10 minutes before slicing.
π½ Serving Suggestions
1. Peruvian Green Sauce (AjΓ Verde)
A spicy, creamy cilantro sauce — the classic pairing with pollo a la brasa.
2. Crispy Peruvian Potato Fries (Papas Fritas)
Serve with chicken drippings and green sauce.
3. Garlic Rice
Perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices.
4. Simple Tomato & Red Onion Salad
Adds freshness and balances the richness.
5. Grilled Vegetables
Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions complement the smoky marinade.
π Variations
π Grilled Peruvian Chicken
Marinate the chicken and grill it over medium heat until juicy and lightly charred for a smoky, authentic flavor.
π₯ Spicy Peruvian Chicken
Add extra ajΓ amarillo paste, cayenne pepper, or red chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick.
π Citrus Peruvian Chicken
Increase the amount of fresh lime and lemon juice for a brighter, more refreshing flavor.
π― Honey Garlic Peruvian Chicken
Brush the chicken with a mixture of honey and garlic during the final minutes of cooking for a sweet and savory glaze.
πΏ Herb Peruvian Chicken
Add fresh cilantro, parsley, or oregano to the marinade for an extra burst of fresh herbal flavor.
π Boneless Peruvian Chicken
Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking while keeping the same delicious seasoning.
π¬️ Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken
Cook the marinated chicken in an air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked through.
π₯¬ Peruvian Chicken Bowl
Serve sliced Peruvian chicken over rice or quinoa with black beans, avocado, roasted vegetables, and Peruvian Green Sauce for a hearty, well-balanced meal. ππ΅πͺ✨
❓ FAQs
1. What makes Peruvian chicken unique?
The combination of garlic, cumin, lime, soy sauce, and ajΓ amarillo gives it a deep, smoky, citrusy flavor unlike any other roast chicken.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! Use bone-in thighs and bake for 35–40 minutes.
3. Do I have to use ajΓ amarillo paste?
No, but it adds authentic Peruvian flavor. You can substitute:
- 1 tsp chili powder + ½ tsp turmeric.
4. Can I grill Peruvian chicken?
Absolutely. Grill on medium heat for 1 hour, flipping every 15 minutes.
5. How long can leftovers last?
3–4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months if frozen.
π₯ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 chicken leg quarter (about 250 g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Total Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 130 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 46 g |
| Calcium | 35 mg |
| Iron | 2.3 mg |
| Potassium | 620 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the cut of chicken, marinade ingredients, and cooking method (grilled, roasted, or air-fried). ππ₯π΅πͺ
π Similar Recipes :
- Peruvian Lomo Saltado Recipe
- Peruvian Ceviche Recipe
- Peruvian Arroz Chaufa (Fried Rice) Recipe
- Roast Chicken with Garlic & Herbs Recipe
- Chimichurri Chicken Recipe
π Final Thoughts
This Authentic Peruvian Chicken Recipe (Pollo a la Brasa) is the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken and bold, smoky flavors. Marinated in a delicious blend of garlic, lime, herbs, and traditional Peruvian spices, then roasted or grilled until beautifully golden, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with every bite.
Whether you're preparing a family dinner, hosting a backyard barbecue, or exploring the vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine, this homemade Peruvian chicken is easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Pair it with Peruvian Green Sauce, crispy fries, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete and unforgettable meal.
Once you try this classic recipe, you'll understand why Pollo a la Brasa is one of Peru's most famous and beloved dishes, enjoyed by millions around the world.

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