Pollo a la Brasa (Peruvian Roasted Chicken)
A whole chicken marinated in smoky cumin, garlic, and aji amarillo paste, then oven-roasted until the skin is mahogany-crisp and the meat is incredibly juicy. A weekend centrepiece the whole family devours.
⏱ 90 minServes 4Peruvian
Ingredients
- •1.5 kg whole chicken, patted dry
- •5 garlic cloves, minced
- •2 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- •2 tbsp gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
- •1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- •2 tbsp olive oil
- •2 tsp ground cumin
- •1 tsp smoked paprika
- •1 tsp dried oregano
- •½ tsp black pepper
- •1½ tsp salt
- •1 lime, halved
- •¼ cup fresh cilantro, for serving
Directions
- 1Whisk together garlic, aji amarillo paste, tamari, vinegar, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, pepper, and salt into a paste.
- 2Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin over the breast; stuff the cavity with squeezed lime halves.
- 3Marinate the chicken uncovered in the fridge at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- 4Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F); set chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- 5Roast 20 minutes until the skin starts to colour, then reduce heat to 190°C (375°F).
- 6Continue roasting 45–50 minutes until a thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 74°C (165°F) and skin is deep golden brown.
- 7Rest the chicken uncovered 10 minutes before carving.
- 8Serve with fresh cilantro, roasted potatoes, and green aji sauce (huacatay or blended jalapeño-mayo).
💡 Aji amarillo paste is found at Latin grocery stores or online; substitute 1 tbsp of any mild yellow hot sauce mixed with 1 tsp turmeric for colour and a similar fruity heat.
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