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Churu Chicken Amarillo V2

Churu Chicken Amarillo


  • Author: Julia Cartney
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 chicken thighs with sauce 1x

Description

Churu Chicken Amarillo is a bold and flavorful dish that blends tender chicken with the creamy, spicy goodness of Aji Amarillo sauce. Inspired by Peruvian cuisine, this recipe features vibrant chili flavors and a rich, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with rice, potatoes, or grilled vegetables. Whether you’re a fan of Latin American flavors or looking for something new, this dish is sure to impress!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin

For the Aji Amarillo Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Aji Amarillo paste
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

Garnish & Serving:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Steamed rice or roasted potatoes

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
    • Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
  • Sear the Chicken:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
    • Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
    • Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Prepare the Aji Amarillo Sauce:
    • In the same pan, add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
    • Stir in Aji Amarillo paste, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
    • Pour in chicken broth and let it reduce slightly.
    • Stir in heavy cream, simmering for 5 minutes until thickened.
  • Combine & Cook:
    • Return the chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce.
    • Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
  • Serve & Enjoy:
    • Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
    • Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Substitutions: Try tofu, shrimp, or pork instead of chicken.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
  • Heat Level: Adjust the spice by adding more or less Aji Amarillo paste to suit your taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Cuisine: Peruvian