The smoky char of grilled chicken paired with the creamy heat of avocado aji verde sauce makes this dish an unforgettable crowd-pleaser. Marinated with Latin spices and light beer, each skewer bursts with bold Peruvian flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or entertaining friends at a backyard BBQ, these skewers deliver big taste with minimal effort. The spicy, tangy green sauce is the star of the plate and will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Perfect with rice, beans, or fresh summer salads.
Full Recipe:
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For the Chicken Skewers:
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2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into long strips
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6 oz light beer (e.g., Corona Light)
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½ tbsp Sazon with achiote (or 1 store-bought packet)
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1 tsp kosher salt
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3 tbsp white vinegar
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1½ tsp ground cumin
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1½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
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For the Avocado Aji Verde Sauce (makes ⅔ cup):
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1 oz avocado (about ¼ small Haas avocado)
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2 jalapeños, stemmed (with seeds for more heat)
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3 tbsp fresh cilantro
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 clove garlic
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2 tbsp white vinegar
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3–4 tbsp water (to adjust consistency)
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⅛ tsp ground cumin
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¼ tsp kosher salt + ⅛ tsp
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Directions:
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In a bowl, combine beer, vinegar, sazon, salt, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano. Mix well.
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Add chicken strips to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
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Thread marinated chicken onto skewers (metal or soaked bamboo).
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Preheat grill to medium heat and oil the grates.
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Grill skewers for about 5 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and lightly charred.
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To make the sauce, blend all aji verde ingredients until smooth, adding water to achieve pourable consistency.
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Serve grilled skewers drizzled generously with avocado aji verde sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Kcal: 289 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 skewers
A Flavor-Packed Journey to Peru Through Grilled Chicken Skewers
Peruvian cuisine is a rich mosaic of cultural influences, drawing from Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian flavors to create dishes that are vibrant, bold, and full of life. Among the most accessible and beloved of these dishes are anticuchos, or skewered meats, which often find their way into street food stalls and home cookouts alike. The Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers with Avocado Aji Verde Sauce offer a modern, health-conscious twist on this traditional favorite, combining smoky grilled chicken with a zesty, spicy green sauce that can elevate any mealtime.
This dish embodies the heart of Peruvian home cooking: humble ingredients elevated through marinade, spice, and fire. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or as a show-stopping centerpiece at a Latin-themed gathering.
What Makes Peruvian Chicken Skewers Unique
What sets this dish apart is its deep marinade, a fragrant blend of cumin, garlic, vinegar, and oregano that infuses the chicken with flavor while tenderizing it. The use of beer in the marinade—light and crisp—adds an unexpected yet authentic Peruvian twist. The choice of chicken thighs, known for their juicy texture and rich flavor, ensures that the meat remains succulent even after grilling.
The skewers offer more than just convenience—they maximize surface area for caramelization and charring, which adds complexity and irresistible grill marks. Whether served over rice, alongside beans, or with grilled vegetables, these skewers bring smoky heat and savory punch to the table.
The Star of the Show: Aji Verde
No Peruvian chicken dish would be complete without aji verde—the vibrant green sauce that has captured hearts worldwide. In this recipe, it gets a creamy upgrade with the addition of ripe avocado. Jalapeños bring the heat (you can keep or remove the seeds based on your spice tolerance), while fresh cilantro and garlic bring brightness and bite. Olive oil and white vinegar balance the richness of the avocado, creating a smooth, tangy sauce that’s both fiery and refreshing.
Aji verde is not just a condiment; it’s a multi-use flavor booster. This sauce can easily become your go-to for tacos, eggs, grilled veggies, and even sandwiches. It’s a condiment that turns any ordinary meal into something extraordinary.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
These chicken skewers are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for many occasions:
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Weeknight Dinners: With a little prep ahead of time (marinating overnight is best), dinner can be ready in under 30 minutes.
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Summer Grilling: The grill adds depth and charred perfection, making this a warm-weather staple.
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Meal Prep: The skewers and sauce store well, offering protein-packed lunches throughout the week.
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Entertaining Guests: With their striking colors and bold flavor, these skewers make a visually impressive and delicious party food.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers Every Time
To achieve the best results when making these Peruvian chicken skewers, consider the following tips:
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Marinate Long Enough: The marinade’s acids and spices need time to work. A minimum of 3 hours is necessary, but overnight is ideal.
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Use Chicken Thighs: Thighs are more forgiving than breasts and retain moisture better when grilled.
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Preheat and Oil the Grill: This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
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Uniform Cuts: Cut your chicken into equal-sized strips for even cooking.
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Use Metal Skewers: If using bamboo, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning.
These small but important steps contribute to a consistent and mouth-watering result every time.
Balancing Heat and Creaminess in Aji Verde
One of the most exciting parts of this recipe is how it balances spice and creaminess in the sauce. The avocado acts as a cooling agent, taming the fire from the jalapeños while contributing a luxurious mouthfeel. This balance makes the sauce extremely versatile and crowd-pleasing.
If you’re concerned about the heat level, simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños or substitute with a milder chili. For those who love bold flavors, leave the seeds in and consider adding a third pepper for an extra kick.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
This dish pairs well with both traditional and modern sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
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Classic White or Cilantro Lime Rice: The starch helps mellow the heat and complements the grilled flavors.
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Black Beans or Arroz Congri: Hearty and nutritious, beans add texture and depth.
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Grilled Corn Salad or Tomato Cucumber Salad: These add brightness and contrast to the smoky chicken.
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Warm Tortillas: Turn the skewers into handheld wraps with fresh toppings.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Plantains: For a starchy and slightly sweet balance.
Drizzle extra aji verde over any of these combinations for an elevated meal experience.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Both the chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance, making this recipe ideal for meal prep. After grilling, the skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to maintain moisture.
The aji verde sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Since it contains avocado, the color may darken slightly, but a quick stir can revive its brightness.
Cultural Context and Inspiration
Peruvian cuisine has long been celebrated for its layered flavors and fusion roots. This dish echoes the street food traditions of anticuchos, often made with beef heart, pork, or chicken, and sold on skewers to late-night diners across Peru. By adapting these flavors for a more accessible and familiar ingredient like chicken thighs, the recipe honors that heritage while making it approachable for home cooks everywhere.
The avocado aji verde is another modern adaptation, blending traditional chili sauces (aji) with the creamy texture of avocado to make something both authentic and innovative. It reflects the growing trend of fusion cooking—where boundaries between cuisines blur in exciting ways.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
At its core, this is a recipe that delivers satisfaction in every bite. It’s not just about the flavors—though those are phenomenal—it’s about the simplicity and joy of cooking something beautiful, bold, and nourishing. The preparation is straightforward, the ingredients are easily available, and the result is consistently delicious.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers offer a foolproof way to bring global flavor to your table. The recipe is as suitable for a quick Tuesday night dinner as it is for a festive outdoor gathering.
Conclusion: Bold Flavors Made Simple
The Peruvian Grilled Chicken Skewers with Avocado Aji Verde Sauce are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Smoky, tender chicken, marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, meets a creamy, zesty sauce that dances on the tongue. This dish captures the magic of Peruvian cuisine in a way that’s both authentic and accessible.
With just a little planning and a few pantry staples, you can bring a taste of South America into your kitchen. Whether served as a main course or party platter, these skewers are bound to impress—and keep your guests coming back for more.
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, celebrate summer grilling season, or explore new culinary horizons, this is the recipe to try. Your tastebuds—and your dinner guests—will thank you.