If you’ve ever wished you could bring the vibrant, bold flavors of Peru right into your own kitchen, this Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe is here to make that dream come true. With its fragrant blend of spices, zesty lime, and herby freshness, this dish offers a mouthwatering combination of smoky, tangy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfectly juicy and tender, this grilled chicken captures the spirit of traditional Peruvian cooking in a simple yet unforgettable way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, balancing depth, brightness, and warmth to create that classic Peruvian profile. These straightforward staples come together beautifully, making this dish both impressive and approachable.
- Olive oil: Acts as the base for the marinade, adding richness and helping the spices cling to the chicken.
- Soy sauce: Brings a savory umami punch that deepens the flavor profile.
- White vinegar: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
- Cumin: Provides earthy warmth that’s signature in Peruvian cuisine.
- Paprika: Infuses a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Garlic powder: Offers a subtle pungency without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Balances flavors with sweet and savory undertones.
- Ground black pepper: Adds just the right bite and complexity.
- Ground turmeric: Introduces a golden hue and faint herbal notes.
- Ground coriander: Lends a fresh, citrusy aroma.
- Ground cinnamon: Imparts a hint of warmth and exotic spice.
- Ground cloves: Enhances the marinade with a subtle depth.
- Lime juice: Brightens the dish with zesty acidity.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings fresh herbaceousness and vibrant green color.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to grill and soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Water: Used to create the honey glaze consistency.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spices and creates a beautiful glaze.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Used as a final garnish for a fresh, peppery note.
How to Make Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by combining olive oil, soy sauce, white vinegar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly so that the spices evenly dissolve into the liquids—this blend is the heartbeat of the ultimate Peruvian grilled chicken recipe’s incredible flavor.
Step 2: Add the fresh elements
Next, stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro. These fresh ingredients inject vital brightness and herbaceous flair that elevate the marinade beyond just warmth and spice.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour over the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for 1 to 8 hours, allowing the chicken to soak up every note of flavor—this step is essential for tender, juicy results with that authentic Peruvian touch.
Step 4: Preheat the grill
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high. This temperature helps create a lovely sear while keeping the chicken moist inside.
Step 5: Prepare to grill
Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid for safety. Getting rid of extra marinade prevents flare-ups and ensures even cooking.
Step 6: Grill the chicken
Place the breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until perfectly done—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Watch as the smoky grill marks develop, promising fantastic aroma and flavor.
Step 7: Make the honey glaze
While the chicken grills, combine water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey melts fully and the glaze thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes—a simple glaze that adds a luscious finish to the dish.
Step 8: Rest the chicken
Once grilled, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 9: Glaze and garnish
Drizzle the honey glaze generously over the chicken breasts for a shiny, sweet glaze that complements the spices beautifully. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness—this final touch truly brings the dish together.
Step 10: Serve and enjoy
Your Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe is now ready to become the star of your meal. Serve it immediately with your favorite sides or enjoy it all on its own for a satisfying and vibrant plate.
How to Serve Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice that adds a pop of color and fresh aroma. Additionally, a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a few lime wedges on the side can enhance the dish’s brightness and presentation.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with traditional Peruvian sides such as roasted potatoes, a simple quinoa salad, or a vibrant corn and avocado salad. You can also opt for classic grilled vegetables or a light rice pilaf to complement the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve sliced atop a bed of mixed greens for a fresh salad or use this chicken as the filling for flavorful sandwiches or tacos, drizzled with some extra honey glaze and a squeeze of lime. The vibrant colors and layered flavors make it ideal for festive gatherings or casual dinners alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, freeze cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a covered skillet on low heat to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the meat. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and have richer flavor. Simply adjust grill time to about 6 to 8 minutes per side depending on thickness, and you’ll have a wonderful variation of the Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 8 hours?
Not at all. While 8 hours gives maximum flavor infusion, marinating for as little as 1 hour will still impart great taste and tenderness—perfect if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for lime juice?
If you don’t have fresh lime juice, lemon juice works well as a substitute, providing a similar bright acidity that balances the spices.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mildly spiced thanks to paprika and warm spices without heat from chili peppers. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chopped fresh chili if you want a spicy kick!
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! Use a grill pan or broiler in your oven for similar results. Just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking and aim to get those nice charred marks.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe is truly a gift to any dinner table, bursting with flavors that celebrate the heart of Peruvian cuisine. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests, and once you try it, you may find it becoming a new favorite that you return to again and again. So grab those spices, fire up the grill, and get ready to savor a dish that’s as vibrant and welcoming as Peru itself.
Print
Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Description
This Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts infused with a vibrant blend of traditional Peruvian spices and herbs. The chicken is grilled to perfection and finished with a sweet honey glaze and fresh parsley, delivering a flavorful and aromatic main dish that captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Honey Glaze
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, white vinegar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well to ensure all spices are evenly mixed into the liquids.
- Add Lime Juice and Cilantro: Mix in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro until the marinade is smooth and well incorporated.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat in preparation for cooking.
- Remove Chicken from Marinade: Take the chicken breasts out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Prepare Honey Glaze: While grilling, combine water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle the honey glaze over each chicken breast to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the glazed chicken for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your preferred sides or enjoy as a savory main course on its own.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to deeply infuse flavors.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you do not have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop grilling or broiling in the oven.
- The honey glaze adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and can be adjusted in quantity to taste.
