The combination of tender chicken seared to golden perfection and a vibrant ají amarillo‑infused sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and exotic. The creamy yellow sauce, subtly spiced with cumin and balanced with a touch of sweetness, delivers bold Peruvian flavor in every bite.
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or an inviting dinner with friends. Easily served with rice, quinoa, or sweet plantains, it offers flexibility and flair. Adjust the heat to suit your palate, garnish with fresh cilantro for brightness, and enjoy a taste of Lima right at home.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Amarillo Sauce:
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3 Tbsp ají amarillo paste (or 1 tsp turmeric + ½ tsp paprika)
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1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
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1 Tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp ground cumin
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Optional: ¼ tsp sugar
Optional garnishes/sides:
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Fresh cilantro, chopped
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Cooked white rice or quinoa
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Fried plantains
Directions:
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Rub chicken with salt and pepper; let rest 10 minutes.
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Heat oil in skillet over medium‑high; sear chicken 4‑5 min per side until golden and cooked. Remove and set aside.
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In same skillet, add oil, sauté onion until translucent (~5 min), then garlic and cumin until fragrant (~1 min).
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Stir in ají amarillo paste; cook 2 min.
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Add chicken broth, scraping browned bits; bring to simmer.
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Pour in cream or evaporated milk; stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over and simmer 5 min. Taste and adjust seasoning; add sugar if spicy.
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Garnish with cilantro; serve with rice, quinoa or plantains.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Kcal: ~340 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
A Deep Dive into Churu Chicken Amarillo: A Creamy Peruvian Classic
The Essence of Peruvian Cuisine
Peruvian cuisine is one of the most diverse and exciting culinary traditions in the world. Its bold flavors, indigenous ingredients, and multicultural influences make it a favorite among food lovers and chefs alike. Churu Chicken Amarillo is a delicious representation of this rich culinary tapestry. It brings together the soul of the Andes with coastal zest and a splash of European techniques—particularly Spanish and French.
While ceviche may be Peru’s most internationally recognized dish, warm dishes like this one, featuring ají amarillo (Peruvian yellow chili), offer deep comfort and character. This chili is not just about heat—it’s about color, aroma, and complexity, and it lies at the heart of many Peruvian comfort meals.
What Is Churu Chicken Amarillo?
Churu Chicken Amarillo is a savory, creamy chicken dish enriched by the unique flavor and golden hue of ají amarillo paste. It’s a modern interpretation of traditional Peruvian chicken stews, offering a faster and more streamlined preparation perfect for contemporary kitchens while still honoring age-old flavors. The term “Churu” refers to a creamy or saucy base, while “Amarillo” simply means yellow—a nod to the pepper’s vivid color.
This dish balances a gently spicy heat with rich creaminess and subtle umami depth, making it incredibly versatile. It’s a dish that appeals to both fans of Latin food and anyone looking for a flavorful chicken recipe that’s different from the usual.
The Star Ingredient: Ají Amarillo
At the core of Churu Chicken Amarillo lies the ají amarillo pepper, a distinctly Peruvian variety that defines the flavor profile of countless dishes. Often described as fruity, floral, and just moderately spicy, it gives this dish its sunny yellow color and warm, lingering spice. Unlike more aggressive chili peppers, ají amarillo doesn’t overwhelm the palate; instead, it invites complexity and balances beautifully with creamy ingredients.
Outside Peru, ají amarillo is often sold as a paste in Latin markets or international grocery stores. For those who can’t find it, a blend of turmeric and paprika offers a visual and flavor approximation, though it lacks the pepper’s signature fruitiness.
Why This Dish Works So Well
There’s a lot to love about Churu Chicken Amarillo. It’s the perfect intersection of creamy and spicy, light and indulgent. It doesn’t rely on heavy spices or overly complex preparation. Instead, it lets the key ingredients speak for themselves. The chicken is seared until golden and simmered gently in a rich, velvety sauce that absorbs all the flavor from the spices, broth, and cream.
What makes this dish especially appealing is its ability to be adjusted to taste. Want it spicier? Add more ají amarillo. Prefer something a bit lighter? Use evaporated milk instead of cream. Want a dairy-free version? Swap in coconut milk for a tropical twist that still respects the original spirit.
Versatile Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This dish is deeply satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides turns it into a complete, comforting meal. In Peru, it’s common to serve Churu Chicken Amarillo with plain white rice, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. Quinoa, another native Peruvian ingredient, offers a nutrient-packed alternative that keeps the meal gluten-free and protein-rich.
Fried or baked plantains make an excellent accompaniment, offering a sweet contrast to the slightly spicy and creamy sauce. For added texture, some like to top the dish with toasted peanuts or a sprinkling of queso fresco. A final flourish of freshly chopped cilantro adds brightness and freshness right before serving.
To drink, consider a crisp Pilsner-style beer or a chilled white wine with some acidity—like Sauvignon Blanc—to cut through the creaminess.
Cultural Significance and Home-Cooking Appeal
While not as globally famous as ceviche or lomo saltado, dishes like Churu Chicken Amarillo are deeply loved in Peruvian homes. They represent the day-to-day warmth and soul of Peruvian kitchens. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl—reassuring, deeply flavorful, and hearty.
What makes Churu Chicken Amarillo even more special is how adaptable it is for home cooks around the world. It doesn’t require hard-to-find equipment or expensive ingredients. Even if you can’t find authentic ají amarillo, this dish still delivers richness and joy with substitutes and a bit of creativity.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Not only is this dish full of flavor, but it also provides a good nutritional profile. Chicken is a lean protein source that helps with muscle repair and energy. Ají amarillo peppers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants, promoting immunity and good skin health. Cumin, another key ingredient, has long been used for digestion and gut health.
Using ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and onion adds anti-inflammatory benefits, while optional additions like quinoa or brown rice provide fiber and sustained energy. This meal can easily be adjusted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, or lower in carbs, depending on dietary preferences.
Make It Your Own: Customization Tips
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Spice Level: Increase or reduce the ají amarillo paste to control heat.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond-based cream for a plant-based version.
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Protein Swap: Try with shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version.
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Add Veggies: Throw in some spinach, peas, or roasted peppers to up the nutritional value.
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Make It Fancy: Serve it over saffron rice or with a roasted garlic mash for an elevated twist.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Like many saucy dishes, Churu Chicken Amarillo often tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. The sauce will thicken slightly, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain the original texture. It’s not ideal for freezing if made with cream, but using evaporated milk or dairy-free alternatives helps it freeze better.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try Churu Chicken Amarillo
Churu Chicken Amarillo is a brilliant way to introduce yourself—or your guests—to the world of Peruvian cuisine. It combines bold flavors, comforting textures, and vibrant colors in a dish that feels both new and familiar. Whether you’re an experienced home cook looking for something different or a beginner wanting to try bold new flavors without stress, this recipe is an excellent place to start.
Its creamy sauce, fragrant spices, and gentle heat make it a true crowd-pleaser, while its simplicity in preparation means it can easily become part of your regular dinner rotation. Every bite tells a story of heritage, warmth, and culinary ingenuity. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.