Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers have a way of transforming a simple backyard barbecue into a culinary adventure. I remember the first time I tasted them at a friend’s summer cookout; the aroma of smoky, tender chicken mingled with bright lime and garlic was absolutely intoxicating. These aren’t just any chicken skewers; they’re little bites of sunshine, bursting with authentic Peruvian flavors. If you’ve ever wondered about making delicious Peruvian chicken skewers at home, or even tried the famous aji amarillo chicken skewers, you’re in for a treat. Let’s get grilling!
Why You’ll Love These Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these fantastic skewers. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Incredibly tender and flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth.
- Quick prep time means less fuss and more fun.
- They are the perfect addition to any grilling season event.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about.
- Naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for many diets.
- Enjoy this easy Peruvian grilled chicken for a weeknight meal or party.
- These delicious Peruvian chicken kabobs are simple to make and always a hit.
Ingredients for Authentic Peruvian Grilled Chicken
To create these incredible Peruvian chicken skewers, you’ll need a few key ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. The brightness of fresh lime juice is essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding that signature Peruvian zest. We’ll combine it with aromatic minced garlic and a classic blend of spices for our Peruvian chicken marinade for grilling. This simple marinade is what makes these skewers so special.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic base
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed – the secret to tender, zesty chicken
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – adds earthy warmth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – for a hint of smoky depth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – helps the marinade coat the chicken
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – a classic herb pairing
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
How to Make Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
Making these amazing Peruvian chicken skewers is easier than you might think! The key is a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Let’s get started on crafting these delicious marinated grilled chicken skewers Peru.
- Step 1: First, let’s prepare the vibrant marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This blend creates the authentic Peruvian flavors we’re after.
- Step 2: Now for the chicken! Cut your 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. Toss the chicken pieces directly into the bowl with the marinade. Make sure every single piece is coated thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour. For the absolute best flavor and tenderness, I highly recommend marinating it overnight.
- Step 3: While the chicken marinates, get your skewers ready. If you’re using wooden skewers, which is common for these Peruvian chicken kabobs, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Once soaked and the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and nice charring.
- Step 4: Time to fire up the grill! Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F (200°C). You want a nice hot surface to get a good sear on the chicken.
- Step 5: Carefully place the skewers onto the hot grill grates. Cook for about 10-12 minutes total. Remember to turn them every few minutes so all sides get nicely golden brown and cooked through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. This is how you ensure perfectly cooked marinated grilled chicken skewers Peru.
- Step 6: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill. You can squeeze a little extra fresh lime juice over them right before serving for an extra zing, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy these easy Peruvian grilled chicken delights!
Pro Tips for the Best Peruvian Chicken Skewers
Follow these insider secrets to guarantee your Peruvian chicken skewers are a smashing success every single time. These simple tricks will elevate your grilling game!
- For maximum tenderness and flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This allows the lime juice and spices to really penetrate the meat.
- Always use fresh, good-quality chicken breasts. Avoid overcooking them; they cook quickly on the grill, and keeping them slightly underdone is better than overdone.
- Soaking wooden skewers is non-negotiable to prevent them from catching fire. Metal skewers are also a great alternative if you don’t want to worry about soaking.
- Cut chicken pieces into uniform sizes. This ensures they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being done while others are still raw.
What’s the secret to perfectly tender Peruvian chicken skewers?
The magic is in the marinade and not overcooking! A good soak in the lime and spice mixture tenderizes the chicken beautifully. For the most succulently tender results, focus on using Peruvian grilled chicken breast skewers and remove them from the grill as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Peruvian chicken skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peruvian grilled chicken?
The biggest pitfall is dry chicken, so don’t overcook! Also, remember to soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning. Cutting your chicken into uniform pieces is key for even cooking, ensuring every bite of your authentic Peruvian grilled chicken is perfect.
Best Ways to Serve Peruvian Grilled Chicken
These flavorful skewers are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. To really enhance those delicious chicken skewers with Peruvian flavors, consider serving them alongside fluffy white rice and hearty black beans for a complete meal. A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a fantastic accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the grilled chicken.
For an authentic touch, don’t forget a side of aji amarillo sauce – its creamy, slightly spicy kick is the perfect complement! Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini threaded onto their own skewers also make a colorful and tasty addition to your Peruvian feast.
Nutrition Facts for Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers
When you’re enjoying these delicious Peruvian chicken skewers, it’s helpful to know what you’re fueling your body with. Each serving of these flavorful skewers offers a good balance of nutrients, making them a tasty and relatively healthy choice for your next barbecue.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Peruvian Chicken Skewers
Once your delicious Peruvian chicken skewers have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storage to keep them tasting great. For the best quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, these skewers freeze remarkably well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is a breeze!
To reheat, you can place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally. This makes it easy to enjoy that easy Peruvian grilled chicken flavor any day of the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peruvian Grilled Chicken
What is anticuchos de pollo?
Anticuchos de pollo are essentially Peruvian chicken skewers, a very popular street food and appetizer in Peru. Traditionally, anticuchos were made with beef heart, but chicken is a common and delicious variation. These authentic Peruvian grilled chicken skewers capture that same vibrant spirit and flavor profile.
What is Peruvian chicken marinade made of?
The classic Peruvian chicken marinade, like the one used for these skewers, typically features a bright and zesty base of lime juice, garlic, and vinegar, often combined with spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano. Some recipes also incorporate aji amarillo paste for a mild heat and distinctive flavor, creating a truly unique taste for authentic Peruvian grilled chicken.
Can I use thighs instead of breasts for these skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to breasts for Peruvian chicken skewers. They tend to be more forgiving on the grill and stay incredibly moist. If you use thighs, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a minute or two longer to cook through than chicken breast.
Variations of Peruvian Grilled Chicken You Can Try
While this recipe for Peruvian chicken skewers is absolutely fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! Exploring different variations can add even more excitement to your grilling adventures. One of my favorite ways to mix things up is by adding colorful vegetables to the skewers. Think chunks of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini threaded between the chicken pieces – they grill up beautifully and add a lovely sweetness and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to amp up the heat and authentic flavor, try incorporating a tablespoon or two of aji amarillo paste into your marinade for truly vibrant aji amarillo chicken skewers. For a different cooking method, these marinated chicken pieces also grill wonderfully in a grill basket or even on a stovetop grill pan if the weather isn’t cooperating!
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Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers: Taste 1
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy these tender and flavorful Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers, perfect for your summer barbecue. This easy recipe features marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection with a vibrant blend of lime, garlic, cumin, and paprika.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon Paprika, smoked
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well-blended.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or preferably overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. Squeeze fresh lime juice over them or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked to prevent burning.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it moist.
- These skewers are naturally gluten-free.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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