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Looking for the best and most famous Peruvian chicken recipes? You've come to the right place!
In this article, we explore some of Peru's most delicious chicken dishes. From soups and stews to salads and seafood, there's a wide variety of chicken recipes used in Peruvian cooking. Today, we present five of the most popular and tasty chicken recipes that you can easily prepare in your own kitchen:
1. Pollo a la Brasa - Peruvian-Style, Rotisserie Chicken
One of the most well-known and iconic dishes in Peruvian cuisine is 'Pollo a la Brasa'. Sold throughout the country in 'Pollerias', this rotisserie chicken is marinated in a blend of spices before being slowly cooked over a charcoal oven. Characterized by its crispy skin and smoky flavor, Pollo a la Brasa is served with fries, salad, and a variety of sauces, including Aji Polleria, Chimichurri, Mayonnaise, and Ketchup.
History and Origin of Pollo a la Brasa
The history of Pollo a la Brasa dates back to the 1950s. It was invented by Swiss immigrant Roger Schuler and his Peruvian partner Franz Ulrich, who launched the first Peruvian Polleria in Lima's Chaclacayo neighborhood.
Nowadays, there are thousands of Pollerias spread throughout Peru, each offering its unique flavour combination. Not only is it one of the most popular food options for Peruvians when eating out, but it is also a big hit with tourists visiting Peru, many of whom have gone on to open Pollerias in their native home countries.
How to make Pollo a la Brasa?
While each Polleria has its own unique way of preparing Pollo a la Brasa, a variety of herbs and spices are commonly used to give the chicken its famous flavour.
Here's a video that shows step-by-step how to prepare Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa:
2. Ají de Gallina - Peruvian Creamy Chicken Stew
One of the most emblematic dishes in Peruvian cuisine is Ají de Gallina. This dish consists of shredded chicken in a thick, creamy sauce made from the native 'Aji Amarillo' chili pepper, which gives it its distinct taste and yellow colour.
Ají de Gallina is a staple in every Peruvian household and is typically served with potatoes, white rice, and topped with black olives and a boiled egg.
History and Origins of Ají de Gallina
Originating in Peru's colonial period, Ají de Gallina has influences from various cooking styles, including Spanish, African, and indigenous traditions.
Today, Ají de Gallina can be found in almost any Peruvian restaurant and is a dish prepared in homes across the country.
How to make Peruvian Ají de Gallina?
For a quick and easy Ají de Gallina recipe, check out our full video below:
3. Seco de Pollo - Peruvian Cilantro Chicken Stew
A popular Peruvian stew, Seco de Pollo is distinguished by its rich coriander flavour and the use of 'Chicha de Jora'—an alcoholic drink made from fermented corn.
This dish is prepared in homes all across Peru and contains a variety of vegetables, including carrots, peas, and peppers. It is usually served with white rice, potatoes, or cassava (yuca).
History and Origins of Seco de Pollo
Seco de Pollo exemplifies the diverse influences that have shaped Peruvian cuisine. The traditional preparation of this dish uses goat (Seco de Cabrito), but chicken has become a more affordable and common alternative.
How to make Peruvian Seco de Pollo?
Check out our full recipe below to learn how to prepare Seco de Pollo:
4. Causa Rellena de Pollo - Mashed Potatoes with a Creamy Mayo Chicken Filling
Causa Rellena de Pollo is a simple dish of seasoned mashed potatoes filled with a creamy chicken filling that is packed with flavour. Also known as 'Causa Limeña', this quintessential Peruvian dish is vibrant in colour and, while always served cold, can contain a variety of different fillings, including avocado or seafood.
History and Origins of Causa Limeña
Causa Rellena's roots can be traced back to pre-Columbian times when potatoes were an important part of Incan cuisine. The name "Causa" derives from the Quechua word "kausay," which translates as "life" or "sustenance."
It wasn't until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, who introduced citrus fruits, that lime juice became a key ingredient.
How to make Peruvian Causa Limeña
If you'd like to learn how to prepare Causa Limeña in your own home, check out full step-by-step video below:
5. Arroz con Pollo - Flavourful One-Pot Chicken with Rice Stew
Peru's answer to Paella, 'Arroz con Pollo' translates as 'Rice with Chicken'. While this may not sound particularly inspiring, it is a dish packed with strong flavors thanks to a variety of herbs and spices, particularly coriander, which gives the dish its vibrant green tint.
This slow-cooked stew typically uses chicken thighs or drumsticks, along with a plethora of vegetables. It's usually served with 'sarza criolla', an everyday Peruvian salsa made of red onions, lime juice, and coriander.
History and Origins of Arroz con Pollo
Given its similarities to the Spanish 'Paella'—combining rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in a single pan—the origins of this Peruvian dish likely stem from Spanish cuisine.
Thanks to Peru's rich and varied agricultural landscapes and climates, native Peruvian ingredients such as Aji Amarillo and coriander were added to transform the dish into something uniquely Peruvian.
How to make Peruvian Arroz con Pollo
Arroz con Pollo is not a dish that can be rushed, but it is definitely worth it! For a detailed recipe, check out our full video below:
Other Notable Peruvian Chicken Recipes
Given the vastness of Peruvian cuisine, we could have easily mentioned another 100 delicious chicken recipes. To check out our full list of Peruvian chicken recipes, have a look at our dedicated webpage.
Other popular Peruvian chicken recipes include:
Pollo al Horno - Oven-baked chicken in a flavourful sauce
Arroz Chaufa de Pollo - Chinese-style chicken stir-fry
Pollo al Sillao - Chinese-style chicken cooked in soy sauce
Empanadas de Pollo - Empanadas with diced chicken filling
Pollada - A traditional chicken dish used to raise money in Peru
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