Fiery Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe for Family Fun

Fire up the grill and transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of lima with these mouthwatering Peruvian grilled chicken skewers that burst with zesty marinades and bold spices.

Tender chunks of chicken soak up a tangy blend of citrus, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a flavor profile that dances on your palate.

Every bite promises a culinary journey through peru’s rich culinary traditions.

The marinade infuses each morsel with a perfect balance of heat and brightness.

Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the depth of flavors, ensuring maximum taste in every skewer.

Serve these skewers alongside warm rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal that will impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Prepare to elevate your grilling game with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 5

Things You’ll Need For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor that infuses the chicken with depth and aroma.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky base for the marinade and helps transfer heat during grilling.
• Lime Juice: Tenderizes the meat and brings bright, zesty citrus notes.
• Soy Sauce: Provides umami richness and helps caramelize the chicken's exterior.
• Honey: Balances flavors and promotes beautiful caramelization on the grill.
• Cumin: Introduces warm, earthy undertones typical in Peruvian cuisine.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky complexity and vibrant reddish color.
• Oregano: Contributes herbal freshness and traditional Latin American seasoning.
• Chili Powder: Adds subtle heat and warmth to the marinade.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance overall flavor profile.

• Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful skewers with better grilling performance.

• Jalapeño: Provides fresh, spicy kick and authentic Peruvian heat.
• Cilantro: Brings bright, herbaceous flavor and classic green color.
• Mayonnaise: Creates creamy, smooth base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds pungent depth to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Introduces tangy brightness and helps balance richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning to enhance sauce's overall taste.

Helpful Tools For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Blender: Essential for creating smooth, creamy Aji Verde sauce.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating chicken.
• Wooden or Metal Skewers: Needed to thread and grill chicken pieces.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Crucial for achieving those delicious charred marks.
• Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients and chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting chicken into skewer-friendly pieces.

Easy Instructions For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together vibrant ingredients like garlic, zesty lime juice, rich olive oil, and bold spices to create a mouthwatering coating for your chicken.

• Infuse Chicken with Deliciousness

Let chicken soak in the marinade, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for maximum taste explosion. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

• Whip Up Creamy Green Sauce

Blend fresh ingredients in a quick pulse to craft a tangy, smooth Aji Verde sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

• Prepare Sizzling Skewers

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, getting ready for a grilling adventure that promises incredible flavor.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank up the heat and cook skewers until they’re perfectly charred and juicy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

• Serve and Celebrate

Plate your gorgeous grilled chicken skewers with a generous dollop of green sauce, adding fresh lime wedges for an extra flavor kick.

Tasty Add-Ons For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Perfect Grill Marks Trick: Pat chicken dry before threading on skewers to ensure beautiful caramelization and crispy exterior during grilling.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor infusion and convenient weeknight dinner preparation.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener and serve skewers over mixed greens instead of traditional sides for a protein-packed meal.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder quantity to make the dish mild or extra hot, allowing customization for different heat preferences.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based version of the recipe that maintains authentic Peruvian flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Flavor Fiesta Plating: Arrange skewers on a vibrant wooden board with fresh cilantro sprigs, creating a colorful presentation that highlights the grilled chicken's golden-brown edges.
• Sauce Companion Trick: Serve Aji Verde sauce in a small dipping bowl nestled right next to the skewers, letting guests drizzle or dunk their chicken for an extra flavor punch.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Pair skewers with warm grilled corn, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp green salad to balance the zesty marinade and add nutritional variety to the meal.
• Party-Perfect Approach: Break skewers into smaller portions for appetizer-style serving at gatherings, making them easy to grab and enjoy during casual social events.

Smart Storage For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent cross-contamination. Keep sauce in a sealed glass jar for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple batches of skewers and freeze uncooked marinated chicken for convenient future meals. Wrap individually in freezer-safe plastic wrap, label with date, and store up to 3 months for quick weeknight dinners.
• Leftover Magic: Repurpose grilled chicken skewers by chopping and adding to salads, wraps, or grain bowls within 3-4 days. Always refrigerate cooked chicken promptly and reheat thoroughly to 165°F for food safety.
• Sauce Storage Secrets: Keep homemade Aji Verde sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. The vibrant green condiment stays fresh for 4-5 days, developing deeper flavors as ingredients meld together. Stir before serving to revive its creamy texture.

Succulent Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Peruvian grilled chicken skewers reveal Peru’s bold culinary traditions with marinated meat infused with aji amarillo and cilantro. Tender chicken pieces deliver authentic South American flavors you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp chili powder or aji panca paste
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsps Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 jalapeno, seeded (or keep seeds for more heat)
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp grated cotija or feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk garlic, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and aromatic.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, coating every surface. Seal and refrigerate for 2-8 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Aji Verde Sauce Creation: Blend jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, pumpkin seeds, garlic, and olive oil until achieving a smooth, vibrant green consistency. Adjust seasoning and chill until serving.
4. Skewer and Grill Setup: Soak wooden skewers in water, then thread marinated chicken evenly. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, lightly oiling grates to prevent sticking. Grill skewers, rotating periodically to ensure uniform charring and complete cooking.
5. Serving Presentation: Transfer grilled skewers to a platter, accompanied by chilled Aji Verde sauce and garnished with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent Wooden Skewer Burning: Soak skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent charring and potential flame flare-ups.
• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste penetration and enhanced tenderness.
• Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the chicken, ensuring juicy interior and crispy exterior.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version; use gluten-free soy sauce for gluten-sensitive diners; replace honey with agave for vegan alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg