Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce
Alright, people, listen up! If you’re tired of bland weeknight dinners that taste like regret and sadness, I’ve got your back. This isn’t just chicken; it’s a flavor fiesta that’ll make you feel like a culinary genius, even if your last kitchen endeavor involved burning water. We’re talking about Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce – a dish so vibrant, so zesty, and so utterly addictive, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less. It’s special because it packs a punch with that creamy, tangy aji amarillo sauce, transforming a humble chicken into something spectacular. You should try it because, frankly, your taste buds deserve this kind of joy, and your Instagram feed needs a win.
Speaking of chaos, the first time I made this, my husband decided it was the perfect moment to “help” in the kitchen, which primarily involved asking if he could sample *just a little bit* of the sauce every five minutes. Meanwhile, my youngest, bless her tiny, sticky heart, was convinced the aji amarillo was a new kind of yellow paint and tried to finger-paint the dog. The dog, being a Labrador, just licked it off and looked for more. So, yeah, the chicken was roasting beautifully, the house smelled divine, and I was simultaneously wrangling a sauce-pilfering husband, an artist-in-training toddler, and a questionable canine taste-tester. It was pure anarchy, but the finished chicken was so good, it almost made me forget I’d later have to scrub yellow sauce off the baseboards. Almost.
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Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce
* It’s got that crispy skin, juicy meat thing going on, which is basically peak chicken achievement. No dry, sad birds allowed.
* The Aji Amarillo sauce is like sunshine in a bowl – bright, creamy, and just enough kick to wake up your mouth without making you regret your life choices.
* You get to tell people you made “Peruvian” chicken, which sounds fancy and impressive. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone how easy it actually was.
* It’s a fantastic way to use up a whole chicken, meaning fewer trips to the grocery store and more time for important things, like napping.
* Leftovers are *chef’s kiss*. Seriously, cold chicken salad with this sauce the next day? You’re welcome.
Time-Saving Hacks
– Buy pre-cut chicken pieces instead of a whole bird. It’s more expensive, but your time is priceless (or at least worth avoiding a raw chicken wrestling match).
– Use jarred minced garlic and ginger. Yes, it’s a tiny bit of a cheat, but your fingers will thank you for not smelling like garlic for three days.
– Don’t wash the pan right away. Let it soak. Or just leave it for your spouse. I’m not judging.
– Blend the sauce ingredients while the chicken is roasting. Multi-tasking queen/king right here!
– Line your baking sheet with foil. It’s like magic – instant clean-up. Mostly.
Serving Ideas
Serve this with a generous pour of whatever wine got you through the day (or the kids’ last tantrum). For sides, some fluffy white rice is always a winner, because carbs are life. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette will make you feel like you’re balancing things out, even if you just ate half the chicken yourself. And honestly, a frosty beer wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Or just eat it standing over the counter with your hands, because sometimes simplicity is key.
What to Serve It With
White rice, a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or some crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce.
Tips & Mistakes
* Tip: Don’t skimp on the marinade time. The longer that chicken chills in its flavorful bath, the happier your taste buds will be. Overnight is ideal, but even an hour helps.
* Mistake: Not patting your chicken dry before seasoning. If it’s not dry, it won’t get that gorgeous, crispy skin, and crispy skin is non-negotiable.
* Tip: Taste the Aji Amarillo sauce before serving and adjust seasoning. Some peppers are spicier than others, and your tolerance might be different from mine (my tolerance is “bring the heat, baby!”).
* Mistake: Overcrowding the pan. Give those chicken pieces some space, otherwise, they’ll steam instead of roast, and nobody wants soggy chicken.
* Tip: Let the chicken rest after roasting for a few minutes. It keeps the meat juicy. I know, patience is hard, but it’s worth it.
Storage Tips
Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

Variations and Substitutions
Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.
Frequently Asked Questions

Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Aji Amarillo Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Aji Amarillo paste
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, Aji Amarillo paste, minced garlic, cumin, lime juice, salt, and black pepper together.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it well.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan, and roast for about 1 hour.
- Check the internal temperature, it should reach 165°F.
