Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: saadia
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min
  • Total Time: 2–4 hrs 32 min (including marinade)
  • Yield: 6 skewers (serves 6) 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Savory Peruvian‑style grilled chicken skewers marinated in tangy spices, served with a vibrant avocado‑cilantro aji verde sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp paprika (or aji panca paste)
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic (23 cloves)
  • 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tsp honey for slight sweetness
  • For Aji Verde Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 jalapeño (seeded), 1 tbsp aji amarillo paste or aji panca, 1 cup cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped mint (optional), 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, oil, paprika, cumin, soy sauce, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper (and honey if using).
  2. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate 2–4 hours (or overnight).
  3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  4. Thread chicken onto skewers, packing pieces close.
  5. Preheat grill to medium‑high. Oil grates.
  6. Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side, until charred and internal temp reaches 165 °F.
  7. Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine sauce ingredients and blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency with water or more lime.
  8. Serve skewers hot, drizzled with or dipped into the aji verde sauce.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juiciness; breasts also work for leaner result.
  • Marinating longer (overnight) yields deeper flavor.
  • For milder sauce, remove jalapeño seeds.
  • Keep leftover sauce refrigerated up to 4 days.
  • Serve with rice, corn, salad or potatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer + sauce
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 574 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 142 mg