The vibrant hue of Churu Chicken Amarillo brightens even the gloomiest of weeknights, and the moment you take the first bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Peru. I first encountered this creamy and slightly spicy dish at a local Peruvian restaurant, where the aroma of aji amarillo chili paste immediately drew me in. The combination of tender chicken enveloped in a rich, golden sauce was nothing short of magic on a plate.
What I love most about this recipe is its adaptability; whether you’re craving a mild taste or a fiery kick, you can adjust the spice levels to suit your palate. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that’s not only impressive enough for guests but also cozy enough for a family dinner. Served over fluffy rice or alongside sweet fried plantains, this dish promises to become a staple in your kitchen as a delightful escape into the world of Peruvian cuisine. Let’s dive into the creamy goodness of Churu Chicken Amarillo together!
Why is Churu Chicken Amarillo a Must-Try?
Incredibly Flavorful: The rich, creamy sauce infused with aji amarillo gives this dish its signature smoky and spicy kick.
Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can create an unforgettable meal that looks and tastes like it took hours of effort.
Versatile Spice Levels: Adjust the heat to your liking, making it perfect for everyone from spice-lovers to those who prefer milder flavors.
Cultural Delight: This dish showcases the vibrant essence of Peruvian cooking, providing an exciting culinary experience right at home.
Perfect Pairings: Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside crispy fried plantains for a complete meal that’ll impress your family and friends.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the sauce ahead of time to save on busy weeknights, ensuring a delicious homemade dinner is always within reach.
Churu Chicken Amarillo Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs/Legs – the main protein source provides a tender texture.
• Salt – enhances flavor; adjust to your taste for the perfect seasoning.
• Black Pepper – adds warmth; freshly ground is preferred for optimal taste.
For the Sauce
• Olive Oil – necessary fat for cooking; can substitute with canola oil if desired.
• Yellow Onion – serves as the aromatic base and softens when cooked.
• Garlic – fresh garlic adds depth of flavor, crucial for this dish.
• Aji Amarillo Paste – the star of the show, providing a smoky and spicy essence; for a milder version, substitute with turmeric and paprika, understanding it won’t replicate the exact flavor.
• Ground Cumin – contributes earthy depth to the overall taste.
• Chicken Broth – the liquid foundation for the sauce; for a healthier option, use low-sodium broth.
• Heavy Cream/Evaporated Milk – this creates the creamy texture; coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative.
• Sugar (optional) – balances the heat if desired.
For Serving
• Fresh Cilantro (for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness; it’s optional but highly recommended.
• Cooked White Rice or Quinoa – perfectly complements the dish as a base.
• Fried Plantains – a sweet and savory pairing that enhances the meal.
How to Make Churu Chicken Amarillo
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Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper liberally over the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or legs. Let the seasoned chicken sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking until the mixture is fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
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Add Aji Amarillo: Stir in aji amarillo paste and allow it to cook for 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
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Deglaze with Broth: Pour in chicken broth while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This step adds depth to your sauce.
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Make it Creamy: Introduce heavy cream or evaporated milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, thickening slightly.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over it and let it simmer together for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and flavors have melded.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve the delicious Churu Chicken Amarillo over rice or alongside fried plantains.
Optional: Drizzle a squeeze of lime over the top for a citrusy brightness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Churu Chicken Amarillo make-ahead tips are ideal for busy home cooks looking to streamline dinner preparations! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance by making it through step 6 (where you create the creamy element)—simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. The chicken can also be seasoned and stored separately (up to 24 hours ahead) to allow flavors to meld. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce gently on the stove while cooking the chicken until it reaches the appropriate temperature (165°F). This way, you’ll have a deliciously creamy and spicy meal ready with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Churu Chicken Amarillo?
The vibrant spices and creamy richness of this dish invite a variety of perfect pairings that will elevate your meal.
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Fluffy White Rice: Succulent and absorbent, it soaks up the rich sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Quinoa: A nutritious alternative to rice, quinoa offers a delightful nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the chicken.
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Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy, these caramelized gems provide a fantastic contrast to the spicy sauce, making each bite a blissful experience.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables add a crunchy texture and fresh taste that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
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Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing salad with tangy dressing lightens up the meal, making every bite of the creamy chicken feel even more indulgent.
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Pisco Sour: For a refreshing drink option,, this classic Peruvian cocktail’s citrus notes cut through the richness beautifully, pairing well with the spiced chicken.
Storage Tips for Churu Chicken Amarillo
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing, preserving its creamy texture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Churu Chicken Amarillo in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to maintain creaminess. Stir frequently until warmed through.
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Sauce Storage: If you’d like to save time, the creamy sauce can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to serve!
Churu Chicken Amarillo Variations
Customize this delightful dish and explore new flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!
- Taco Twist: Serve the chicken in soft tortillas for a fun Peruvian-inspired taco night. Add some avocado and fresh salsa for extra flair.
- Coconut Creamy: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free version that still maintains a luscious consistency. A hint of tropical flavor will shine through!
- Heat It Up: For spice lovers, add diced jalapeños or more aji amarillo paste into the sauce. This will give your dish an extra kick that will wake up your taste buds.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini when sautéing the onions for added color and nutrition. They soften beautifully and bring fresh flavor to the meal.
- Quinoa Flair: Swap out white rice for quinoa to add a nuttier flavor and boost your meal’s protein content. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or parsley along with cilantro for an herby twist that elevates the dish’s aromatic profile. Each bite brings something new!
- Sweet Plantain Mash: Instead of serving fried plantains on the side, mash them up and fold them into the sauce for a sweet and comforting finish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Skip the skillet and use a pressure cooker to make this dish in one pot. Perfect for those busy nights when time is of the essence!
Expert Tips for Churu Chicken Amarillo
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Adjust Spice Levels: Start with a small amount of aji amarillo paste; you can always add more for extra heat. This ensures the dish matches your taste preferences.
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Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents overcooking and guarantees juicy meat.
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Sauce Storage: Make the creamy sauce in advance and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, ensuring the flavors remain vibrant.
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Quick Marinade Tip: Allowing the chicken to marinate in salt and pepper for even just 10 minutes before cooking boosts the overall flavor of the Churu Chicken Amarillo.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair the dish with fluffy white rice or quinoa, and don’t skip the fried plantains for that delightful sweet contrast.
Churu Chicken Amarillo Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for Churu Chicken Amarillo?
Absolutely! For this recipe, choose fresh, vibrant yellow onions that feel firm to the touch and have no dark spots. When selecting garlic, go for plump bulbs with papery skin, avoiding any that are sprouted. If you can find it, opt for aji amarillo paste with a bright color and a fragrant aroma, as this will add the best flavor to your dish!
How should I store leftovers of Churu Chicken Amarillo?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing to maintain its creamy texture. For the best taste, reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much.
Can I freeze Churu Chicken Amarillo?
Absolutely! You can freeze Churu Chicken Amarillo in a well-sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little chicken broth or cream if needed to keep it creamy!
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a bit of chicken broth or milk, a tablespoon at a time, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help bring back its creamy texture without losing flavor.
Are there any dietary considerations for Churu Chicken Amarillo?
For sure! If you have a dairy allergy, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk, which will still provide a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. Always check the labels of your aji amarillo paste for any allergens, particularly if you’re serving this dish to others—better safe than sorry!
Can I adjust the spice level in Churu Chicken Amarillo?
Absolutely! To control the heat, start with a smaller amount of aji amarillo paste; you can gradually add more as it cooks. This way, you can cater to everyone’s taste preference, making the dish enjoyable for spice lovers and those who prefer a milder flavor alike.
Spice Up Dinner with Churu Chicken Amarillo Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper liberally over the chicken thighs or legs. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in aji amarillo paste and allow it to cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Introduce heavy cream or evaporated milk, stirring until smooth and allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it simmer together for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve over rice or alongside fried plantains.
