Churu Chicken Amarillo is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. This delicious recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of ají amarillo paste, garlic, and cumin creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: Churu Chicken Amarillo is a great make-ahead meal that reheats well, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
Ingredient Notes:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Provide protein and a juicy texture.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to cook the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Enhance the flavors of the dish.
For the Amarillo Sauce:
- Ají amarillo paste (or turmeric + paprika): Adds a spicy kick and vibrant color to the sauce.
- Yellow onion, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream or evaporated milk, olive oil, and ground cumin: Create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Optional: Sugar can be added for a hint of sweetness.
Optional garnishes/sides:
- Fresh cilantro, cooked white rice or quinoa, and fried plantains: Complement the dish with freshness, grains, and a touch of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ají amarillo paste (or turmeric + paprika) and cumin.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer until slightly reduced. Stir in heavy cream or evaporated milk and sugar, if using.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the Churu Chicken Amarillo with garnishes and sides of your choice.
Helpful Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for extra flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less ají amarillo paste.
- Use leftover sauce as a dip for bread or vegetables.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Toast the ground cumin before adding it to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Use evaporated milk for a creamier texture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Churu Chicken Amarillo pairs well with cooked white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. Add fried plantains on the side for a sweet and crunchy contrast. For drinks, a refreshing citrus soda or a light beer complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- How spicy is ají amarillo paste? It has a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Can I freeze Churu Chicken Amarillo? While the dish can be frozen, the sauce may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently and stir well to reincorporate the ingredients.
Conclusion:
Churu Chicken Amarillo is a delightful recipe that brings together bold flavors and comforting textures in every bite. Try this dish for your next meal and enjoy the warm and inviting aromas that will fill your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with us!
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Churu Chicken Amarillo
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Peruvian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Churu Chicken Amarillo is a flavorful Peruvian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a creamy and spicy Amarillo sauce. Serve it with rice, quinoa, and fried plantains for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- For the Amarillo Sauce:
- 3 Tbsp ají amarillo paste (or 1 tsp turmeric + ½ tsp paprika)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Optional: ¼ tsp sugar
- Optional garnishes/sides:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cooked white rice or quinoa
- Fried plantains
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Amarillo Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ají amarillo paste, chicken broth, cream, cumin, and sugar. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice, quinoa, and fried plantains.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of ají amarillo paste in the sauce.
- For a healthier version, you can use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg