Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce

April 17, 2025

Juicy, tender, and infused with bold spices, this Peruvian-style roasted chicken is paired with a bright and zesty cilantro sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came straight from a rotisserie shop in Lima.

Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce

🍴 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3.5–4 lbs), spatchcocked or cut into parts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

For the Spicy Cilantro Sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (stems removed)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🔥 Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and all spices. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, getting under the skin if possible. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Roast the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the chicken skin-side up on a rack over a baking sheet. Roast for 45–60 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Sauce:
While the chicken roasts, blend all cilantro sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Rest and Carve:
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after roasting, then carve into serving pieces.

Serve with Sauce:
Serve the chicken with generous drizzles of the spicy cilantro sauce and extra on the side for dipping.

📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Peruvian Roasted Chicken With Spicy Cilantro Sauce

  • 🍗 Roasting Rack and Pan Set — Helps the chicken roast evenly and get crispy skin all around.
  • 🧄 Garlic Press — Saves time and keeps your fingers garlic-free while adding tons of flavor.
  • 🌿 High-Speed Blender — Perfect for achieving a creamy, smooth cilantro sauce in seconds.
  • 🍋 Citrus Juicer — Get every drop of lime juice for bright, zesty flavor in both the marinade and sauce.
  • 🌶️ Mini Food Processor — An excellent tool for small-batch sauces like this one.

💡 Helpful Tip: For even crispier skin, let the marinated chicken rest uncovered in the fridge for an hour before roasting—this dries the skin slightly for ultimate crunch.