Description
Bold & Flavorful Churu Chicken Amarillo is a vibrant and aromatic Peruvian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy, golden ají amarillo sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of spices, freshness, and comfort, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs, skin on
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons ají amarillo paste
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather the chicken thighs, finely chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, measure out the ají amarillo paste, broth, and evaporated milk to streamline cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, to release their flavors.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pan and sear each side until a golden crust forms, locking in the juices and building flavor foundation for the sauce.
- Add Ají Amarillo Paste and Liquids: Stir in the ají amarillo paste, coating the chicken evenly. Pour in the broth and evaporated milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the chicken cook gently in the sauce for 20 to 25 minutes until fully tender and the sauce thickens and intensifies in flavor.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Remove the pan from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh lift.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t rush browning the chicken; developing a golden crust is key for depth.
- Adjust the amount of ají amarillo paste gradually to control spice level.
- Simmer over low heat to prevent curdling of evaporated milk and maintain creaminess.
- Add cilantro at the end to keep its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Churu Chicken Amarillo, ají amarillo, Peruvian chicken, creamy chicken sauce, chicken thighs recipe, gluten free chicken
