Hello, food lovers! Chef Andrew here, and today we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite dishes—Churu Chicken Amarillo . This vibrant Peruvian-inspired recipe is a flavor-packed delight that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Lima. But what makes this dish truly special? Its creamy, slightly spicy sauce made with aji amarillo peppers , tender chicken, and just enough heat to keep things exciting.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to whip up an authentic Churu Chicken Amarillo in under 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right—15 minutes! Ideal for hectic weeknights or when you want to impress your guests with this recipe without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Churu Chicken Amarillo Recipe
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:
- Rich Flavor Profile : The combination of aji amarillo paste, garlic, onions, and evaporated milk creates a sauce so delicious it might make you want to drink it straight from the pan.
- Quick Prep Time : With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can master this recipe in no time.
- Versatile Pairings : Serve it over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies for a complete meal that satisfies every palate.
- Customizable : Adjust the spice level to suit your preferences, swap out dairy for almond milk if needed, or add extra herbs for a fresh twist.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading!
Understanding the Magic Behind Churu Chicken Amarillo
What Makes Aji Amarillo So Special?
At the heart of this dish lies the aji amarillo pepper , Peru’s most beloved chili. Known for its bright yellow color and unique balance of sweetness and heat, aji amarillo adds depth and complexity to any dish. If you haven’t tasted yet, now is the ideal moment to give it a try!
For those who can’t find fresh aji amarillo peppers at their local market, don’t worry—you can use high-quality aji amarillo paste instead. It’s widely available online and in Latin grocery stores.
Cultural Roots of Churu Chicken Amarillo
This dish has deep roots in South American cuisine, blending indigenous flavors with Spanish influences. Over centuries, it evolved into countless regional variations, each offering its own spin on tradition. Whether served alongside classic sides like corn or paired with modern twists such as quinoa salad, Churu Chicken Amarillo continues to captivate food enthusiasts worldwide.
Ingredients for Your Quick Churu Chicken Amarillo
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this magical dish:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Amarillo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 1 cup evaporated milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegans)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Churu Chicken Amarillo
Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper—this step enhances the natural flavors of the meat. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Pro Tip : Don’t overcrowd the pan while searing; leave enough space between pieces to ensure a crispy crust.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the aji amarillo paste to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. This step, called “toasting,” intensifies the flavors of the paste. Next, pour in the evaporated milk and chicken broth slowly, whisking constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Gently pour the sauce into a blender and blend until smooth.. Alternatively, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a silky texture without using a blender. Return the sauce to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip : Balance the spice by adding a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of milk if the sauce feels too fiery.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the amarillo sauce generously over the top. Allow the dish to simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Plate the chicken over steamed white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. Ladle plenty of sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired.
Churu Chicken Amarillo: 15-Minute Meal Prep Guide
Equipment
- 1 Cooking Pot or Skillet You'll need a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Knives A sharp knife is important for chopping ingredients like onions and garlic
- Cutting Board Essential for preparing vegetables and other ingredients safely
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Necessary for accurately measuring out ingredients such as spices and liquids
- Blender or Immersion Blender To create a smooth amarillo sauce; if you don’t have a blender, a fine mesh sieve can also work.
- Spatula Helps with stirring and flipping the chicken during cooking.
- Tongs Useful for handling the chicken pieces when searing them in the pan.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Amarillo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
- 1 cup evaporated milk or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarians
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan twist
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Amarillo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the aji amarillo paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Return the sauce to the skillet.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining and Serving
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet.
- Spoon the amarillo sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Plate the chicken over steamed white rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
- Generously ladle sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
To take your Churu Chicken Amarillo game to the next level, follow these expert tips:
- Toast the Aji Amarillo Paste : Cooking the paste briefly before adding liquids deepens its flavor profile.
- Blend for Smoothness : Use a high-speed blender or strain the sauce for a velvety consistency.
- Balance Spices : Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of aji amarillo paste or adding mild alternatives like yellow bell peppers.
- Store Smartly : Store leftover chicken and sauce separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or milk if necessary.
Side Dishes That Complement Churu Chicken Amarillo
No meal is complete without the perfect sides! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Classic Options : Steamed white rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or roasted sweet potatoes.
- Peruvian Favorites : Corn kernels tossed with lime juice and chili powder, avocado salad, or papa a la huancaina (potatoes in spicy cheese sauce).
- Modern Twists : Quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and feta, grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon, or sautéed spinach with garlic.
FAQs About Churu Chicken Amarillo
Can I substitute aji amarillo paste?
Absolutely! Blend yellow bell peppers with a pinch of cayenne for a similar flavor and color. Other chili pastes work too, though they may alter the dish slightly.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Churu Chicken Amarillo stays fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s integrity.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing in sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion: Bringing Peru to Your Plate
There you have it—a quick, flavorful, and foolproof way to enjoy Churu Chicken Amarillo right at home. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this dish delivers bold Peruvian vibes with minimal effort.
I’d love to hear how your cooking adventure turned out! Share photos of your creations on social media and tag me [email protected] using #ChuruChickenAmarillo. And remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting—so feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes.
Until next time, happy cooking! 🍴✨