Zesty Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Succulent peruvian grilled chicken skewers dance with vibrant flavors that transport you straight to lima’s bustling streets.

Marinated cubes of tender meat gleam with a zesty blend of spices and herbs.

Peppers and onions nestle between juicy chicken pieces, creating a colorful palette of ingredients.

Every bite promises a burst of tangy, smoky goodness that awakens the senses.

The marinade’s secret weapon comes from traditional peruvian seasonings that infuse deep, complex notes.

Charred edges hint at the perfect balance between crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Gather around and let these skewers become the star of your next gathering.

Why Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers Are Packed With Flavor

• Unleash Quick Flavor Explosion: These Peruvian chicken skewers deliver intense, mouth-watering taste in just minutes of grilling, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings.
• Master Effortless Marinating Magic: The simple marinade requires minimal prep work, allowing you to combine ingredients in one bowl and let the chicken soak up rich, zesty flavors with minimal effort – ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: The flexible recipe lets you adjust spice levels and ingredients, making it adaptable for different palates and dietary preferences while maintaining authentic Peruvian street food vibes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Star: These skewers work brilliantly for casual backyard barbecues, potlucks, and family dinners, offering a crowd-friendly option that looks impressive but comes together surprisingly easily.

What You’ll Need For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: The star protein that absorbs all the delicious marinade flavors, best when using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.

• Garlic, Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Soy Sauce: A flavor-packed blend that tenderizes and seasons the chicken deeply.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps create beautiful caramelization during grilling.
• Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: Spices that bring authentic Peruvian-inspired warmth and depth.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Aji Verde Sauce Ingredients (assumed from context): Fresh ingredients that create a zesty, creamy accompaniment.
• Lime Wedges: Bright citrus garnish that adds fresh, tangy finish to the dish.
• Wooden Skewers: Grilling tool that helps create perfect, manageable chicken portions.

How To Make Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion

• Fresh garlic cloves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Zesty lime juice
• Rich soy sauce
• Golden honey
• Ground cumin
• Smoky paprika
• Dried oregano
• Spicy chili powder
• Sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Blend these ingredients in a large mixing bowl until perfectly combined, creating a tantalizing sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Transform the Chicken

Toss chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with the incredible flavor blend. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator. Give the chicken at least 2 hours to soak up all those amazing flavors – overnight works even better for maximum deliciousness.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Verde Sauce

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Spicy jalapeño
• Creamy Greek yogurt
• Tangy tomatillos
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Salt

Pulse until smooth and silky. Taste and adjust seasonings to make it perfectly zesty. Stash in the refrigerator to keep cool.

Step 4: Skewer Preparation

Grab wooden skewers and give them a quick bath in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces carefully, creating beautiful flavor-packed kebabs ready for grilling.

Step 5: Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully place the skewers on the grill, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and those beautiful char marks.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the sizzling skewers to a serving platter. Drizzle with the vibrant verde sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh lime wedges for an extra burst of brightness. Watch as your friends and family dive into these incredible Peruvian-inspired chicken skewers!

Top Tips For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the chicken soak in the marinade overnight to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat, creating a more succulent and delicious result.
• Prevent Skewer Scorching: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from burning and potentially ruining your perfectly cooked chicken.
• Grill with Precision: Maintain medium-high heat and turn skewers frequently to ensure even cooking and those beautiful, appetizing char marks that add extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder or add fresh jalapeños to the Aji Verde sauce to make the dish more or less spicy according to your personal heat preference.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

How To Store Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Stash leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Seal the container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Quickly reheat skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their delicious grilled texture.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken tough and chewy.
• Keep the Aji Verde sauce separately in a sealed container, consuming it within 4-5 days for optimal freshness.
• Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating and consuming leftovers.

Perfect Pairings For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Pair with Citrus Cocktails: Craft a zesty pisco sour or lime margarita that complements the chicken's tangy marinade and cuts through its smoky grilled flavors.
• Match with Fresh Peruvian Quinoa Salad: Create a light, herbal quinoa salad with cilantro, red onions, and lime juice to balance the rich, spiced chicken skewers.
• Serve with Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or albariño with bright acidity that echoes the lime and herb notes in the marinade and aji verde sauce.
• Recommend Craft Beer Pairing: Select a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that can stand up to the smoky, spicy grilled chicken while refreshing the palate between bites.

New Ideas For Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Spicy Cilantro Kick: Add chopped fresh cilantro and extra chili flakes to the marinade for a zesty, herbaceous flavor profile that elevates the traditional chicken skewers.
• Smoky Pineapple Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple chunks between chicken pieces on the skewers, creating a sweet and tangy caramelized element that complements the savory spices.
• Citrus Mediterranean Blend: Replace lime juice with orange juice and add dried oregano and rosemary to transform the marinade into a Mediterranean-inspired chicken skewer experience.
• Coconut Curry Infusion: Mix coconut milk into the marinade and sprinkle turmeric and garam masala for an Indian-inspired version with rich, complex flavor undertones.

Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers FAQ

• What makes Peruvian grilled chicken skewers unique?

The combination of traditional Peruvian spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates a deeply flavorful marinade that sets these skewers apart from other grilled chicken recipes.

• Is the Aji Verde sauce very spicy?

The Aji Verde sauce has a mild to moderate heat level from the green chilies, but it’s balanced with fresh herbs and creamy elements, making it tangy and flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for this recipe because they’re more tender and juicy, and they absorb the marinade’s flavors even better than chicken breasts.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these skewers?

All you need is a blender for the sauce, skewers, and a grill or grill pan. Wooden or metal skewers both work well, just remember to soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.

Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Peruvian grilled chicken skewers bring zesty South American flavors to your plate, dancing with marinade magic. Cilantro-lime notes and smoky char promise an irresistible culinary journey you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks

Marinade Components:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or aji panca paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Aji Verde Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 jalapeno, seeded (or keep seeds for more heat)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon grated cotija or feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together minced garlic, fruity olive oil, zesty lime juice, umami-rich soy sauce, golden honey, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, aromatic oregano, fiery chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each morsel is completely coated. Seal the bowl and allow the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight for maximum depth of flavor.
3. Create the signature Aji Verde sauce by blending fresh jalapeños, verdant cilantro, tangy lime juice, creamy Greek yogurt, nutty pumpkin seeds, pungent garlic, and a splash of olive oil until silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then refrigerate until serving time.
4. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in cool water to prevent charring during grilling. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the pre-soaked skewers, ensuring even distribution.
5. Heat the grill to medium-high temperature and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the skewers on the grill, rotating periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown char and ensuring the chicken cooks completely through.
6. Transfer the perfectly grilled skewers to a serving platter. Accompany with the chilled Aji Verde sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh lime wedges to add a bright, citrusy accent to the dish.

Notes

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the zesty marinade overnight to allow the spices and acids to penetrate deeply, creating more intense and complex taste.
• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes acts as a protective barrier, stopping them from catching fire and ensuring even cooking.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: No grill? No problem! These skewers work perfectly in a hot oven at 425°F or on a stovetop grill pan, maintaining the same delicious charred exterior.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, or use lean turkey for a lower-fat protein option without compromising the vibrant Peruvian-inspired flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg