If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and mouthwatering aromas, you absolutely must try this Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of juicy, tender chicken infused with a bright citrus and garlic marinade, paired with a vibrant, spicy cilantro sauce that will elevate your dinner to something truly memorable. This recipe is both comforting and exciting, perfect for weekend feasts or impressing guests with a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature Peruvian flavor. From the fresh lemon juice that adds a zesty kick to the fragrant cilantro that brings a fresh herbal note, these components are simple yet incredibly effective together.
- Whole chicken (3-4 pounds): The star of the dish, a whole chicken yields juicy, succulent meat when roasted properly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds acidity and brightness that tenderizes the chicken and balances rich flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced (6): Provides deep, savory notes that enhance the marinade’s complexity.
- Fresh cilantro (1 bunch): Offers a lively, herbaceous flavor essential to the sauce’s freshness.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Helps emulsify the sauce and promotes crisp, golden skin on the chicken.
- Jalapeño pepper, seeds removed (1): Delivers a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to a warm 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that your chicken develops a perfectly crispy, golden skin while sealing in all those delicious juices. Spray your roasting pan with nonstick spray so the chicken won’t stick and cleanup becomes a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Marinade and Sauce
In a blender, combine the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, cilantro leaves, seeded jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth. This vibrant sauce will serve both as a marinade and a finishing drizzle, packing the chicken with layers of flavor and that much-loved Peruvian flair.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Rub half of the spicy cilantro sauce all over the whole chicken, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. You can do this in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag for easy mess-free marinating. Let the chicken soak in these flavors for at least one hour. This step really lets the citrus, heat, and herbs penetrate deeply, making every bite unforgettable.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place the marinated chicken in the prepared roasting pan, and pour the remaining sauce over it to keep moisture locked in. Roast the chicken for about 60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) — juicy, safe, and tender. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow your chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. This resting period is the secret to a juicy, flavorful roast. Serve with a generous drizzle of the remaining spicy cilantro sauce for an extra punch of freshness and heat.
How to Serve Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the presentation and taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro leaves and thin slices of jalapeño over the carved chicken for color and that signature herbaceous, spicy hit.
Side Dishes
Pair this roasted chicken with traditional Peruvian sides like roasted potatoes, a simple green salad, or even quinoa pilaf. The bright and zesty sauce complements these sides beautifully, creating a balanced and exciting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken on a wooden cutting board surrounded by lime wedges and small bowls of extra spicy cilantro sauce. This encourages guests to help themselves and enjoy the dish family-style, bringing warmth and conviviality to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Peruvian Roasted Chicken keeps well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy its flavors at their best and avoid drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the carved chicken pieces in freezer-safe bags. Make sure to keep the spicy cilantro sauce separate for the best texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your chicken gently in a low oven or covered in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of the leftover sauce or a little olive oil to keep things moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs, legs, or breasts work well—just adjust roasting time accordingly to ensure they cook through without drying out.
Is jalapeño the only pepper that works in this recipe?
No way! You can swap jalapeño for serrano or milder peppers depending on your heat preference. Removing seeds helps keep it manageable for most palates.
Can I make the spicy cilantro sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
What if I don’t have fresh cilantro? Can I use dried?
Fresh cilantro is key for the bright, herbal flavor in this recipe, so dried won’t give the same result. If needed, fresh parsley can be used as a mild substitute.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least one hour is great for flavor absorption, but you can marinate it up to 12 hours in the fridge for an even deeper taste.
Final Thoughts
This Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce Recipe is a vibrant and delicious way to bring the lively flavors of Peru right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones and turning a simple meal into a celebration of bold taste. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Description
This Peruvian Roasted Chicken with Spicy Cilantro Sauce offers a flavorful twist on a classic roast chicken. The chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of fresh cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, and lemon juice, then oven-roasted to perfection. The result is a juicy, aromatic chicken with a vibrant and spicy cilantro sauce that enhances every bite, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 pounds)
Spicy Cilantro Sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a roasting pan with nonstick spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender, combine the garlic, lemon juice, cilantro leaves, jalapeño, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant and spicy cilantro sauce that will marinate and accompany the chicken.
- Marinate Chicken: Rub half of the sauce all over the whole chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated inside and out. Place the chicken in a bowl or resealable bag and let it marinate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Roast Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the prepared roasting pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful. Roast in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for ten minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve the chicken and serve it drizzled with additional spicy cilantro sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the jalapeño pepper seeds.
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Marinating longer, up to overnight, will enhance the flavor even more.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor and vibrant color.
