Zesty Lima-Style Peruvian Roasted Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling with Latin American flair, this delectable Peruvian roasted chicken recipe bursts with vibrant spices and irresistible flavors.

Succulent chicken marinates in a bold blend of garlic, cumin, and aji amarillo peppers that dance across your palate.

Every bite promises a journey through Peru’s rich culinary landscape.

Tender meat falls effortlessly from the bone, infused with layers of warmth and complexity.

The recipe unlocks a secret blend of traditional techniques that make restaurant-quality meals possible in your own kitchen.

Crispy skin and juicy interior guarantee a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering experience and transport your taste buds to the heart of South American cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Peruvian Roasted Chicken Ingredient List

• Whole Chicken: Choose a high-quality, organic bird for the most succulent and flavorful roast, ensuring even cooking and tender meat.

• Yellow Onions, Bell Peppers: Create a robust flavor base and add sweetness and texture to the dish, selecting fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors.
• Garlic: Provides intense, earthy depth and helps build a complex flavor profile for the chicken.
• Fresh Corn: Brings a delightful summer sweetness and crisp texture to complement the roasted chicken.

• Sweet Paprika, Ground Cumin, Dried Oregano: Blend traditional Peruvian spices that deliver warm, smoky, and herbaceous notes, transforming the chicken into an authentic culinary experience.
• Fine Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying the overall taste, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
• White Wine Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy element that tenderizes the meat and cuts through the richness.
• Olive or Canola Oil: Helps create a beautiful golden-brown skin and prevents sticking during roasting.
• Lemon: Provides a fresh, zesty finish that lifts the entire dish with its citrusy brightness.

Tools for Making Peruvian Roasted Chicken

• Large roasting pan: Essential for cooking chicken and vegetables together.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing spice paste ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Aluminum foil: Needed to wrap corn cobs and potentially cover chicken if skin browns too quickly.
• Cutting board: Used for resting and slicing cooked chicken.
• Sharp knife: Helpful for cutting lemon slices and eventual chicken carving.
• Measuring spoons: Great for accurately portioning spices and herbs.

How to Roast Authentic Peruvian Chicken

• Flavor Preparation Magical Marinade

Craft a zesty blend of spices combining paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and vinegar into a vibrant paste that will infuse incredible flavor throughout the entire dish.

• Vegetable Foundation

Scatter chopped onions and peppers across the roasting pan, creating a colorful base that will absorb all the delicious chicken drippings and enhance the overall meal.

• Chicken Positioning

Gently place the whole chicken in the center of the pan, lovingly coating it with the spice mixture and tucking lemon slices inside and around the bird for extra brightness and aroma.

• Corn Companion

Wrap fresh corn cobs in foil, preparing them to join the roasting party and soak up the incredible flavors developing in the oven.

• Roasting Magic

Slide the pan into a preheated 400°F oven, letting everything meld together for about 1.5 hours, occasionally checking to ensure the chicken reaches a perfect golden-brown and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.

• Resting and Serving

After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest peacefully for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute before carving and serving this spectacular Peruvian-inspired feast.

Flavor Tweaks for Peruvian Roasted Chicken

• Let the chicken soak in the spice paste overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense Peruvian-style flavor profiles that will make your taste buds dance.
• Adjust paprika and cumin quantities to match your personal heat preference – mild for sensitive palates or extra bold for spice lovers who crave intense warmth.
• Swap out peppers and onions with root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or parsnips for a delightful seasonal twist that complements the chicken's rich seasoning.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro or huacatay (Peruvian black mint) sprinkled over the finished dish to elevate the authentic South American culinary experience and add bright, fresh notes.
• Shred remaining chicken meat for incredible tacos, salads, or sandwich fillings the next day – the robust spice blend ensures maximum flavor in every single bite of your repurposed meal.

Plating and Serving Peruvian Roasted Chicken

• Culinary Companion Plate: Pair this succulent Peruvian roasted chicken with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up those delicious pan juices and create a complete meal bursting with flavor.
• Zesty Green Sauce Sidekick: Whip up a quick cilantro-based aji verde sauce by blending fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and sour cream to drizzle over the chicken, adding a bright, tangy kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Rustic Vegetable Medley: Complement the roasted chicken with a side of crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges seasoned with similar spices used in the chicken marinade, creating a harmonious flavor profile that ties the entire meal together.
• Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Serve with a cold Peruvian beer like Cusqueña or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to balance the rich, bold flavors of the roasted chicken and enhance the overall dining experience.

Storage and Meal Prep for Peruvian Roasted Chicken

• Refrigeration Rhythm: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Slice chicken into portions before freezing. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Maintains quality for up to 4 months when sealed completely.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated chicken in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Ensures tender, juicy meat with crispy skin restored.
• Smart Meal Prep: Transform leftovers into delicious chicken salads, tacos, or shredded protein for quick weeknight meals. Chop cold chicken and mix with fresh herbs for instant lunch options.

Succulent Peruvian Roasted Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Peruvian roasted chicken delivers bold flavors from Peru’s culinary traditions. Crisp skin, zesty marinade, and herb-infused seasoning make this dish a perfect centerpiece for memorable meals you’ll savor with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4 lbs/1.8 kg, Bell & Evans)
• 2 yellow onions (large, sliced thickly)
• 2 bell peppers (chopped; 1 red and 1 green)
• 3 ears fresh corn (shucked)
• 5 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1.5 tbsps (22.5 ml) sweet paprika
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fine sea salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground black pepper
• 2.5 tbsps (37.5 ml) white wine vinegar
• 1.5 tsps (7.5 ml) olive or canola oil (plus additional for greasing pan)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat oven to 400°F. Coat a large roasting pan with cooking spray, arranging chopped bell peppers and yellow onions as a vibrant base layer.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk olive oil, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, white vinegar into a smooth, aromatic paste that will infuse the chicken with rich Peruvian flavors.
3. Chicken Assembly: Clean the whole chicken, removing internal giblets. Massage the marinade thoroughly across the skin, stuffing fresh lemon slices inside the cavity and scattering additional slices among the vegetables to enhance the dish’s brightness.
4. Roasting Process: Position the chicken centrally in the pan, wrapping corn on the cob in aluminum foil. Roast for approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, basting periodically and tenting with foil if skin browns too intensely. Aim for an internal temperature of 175-180°F at the breast’s thickest point.
5. Final Touches: Add foil-wrapped corn during the final 40-45 minutes of cooking. Once completed, remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 10-12 minutes, enabling juice redistribution for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Notes

• Marinade Magic: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, fragrant paste that deeply penetrates chicken skin for maximum flavor absorption.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 175-180°F for perfectly cooked, juicy meat without dryness.
• Basting Technique: Regularly spoon pan juices over chicken during roasting to maintain moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown crispy skin.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest 10-12 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute internal juices and guarantees tender, succulent meat when carved.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg