If you are planning a trip to Peru, you cannot miss one of the most emblematic and dishes in the country: Peruvian Roasted Chicken. This delicious delicacy has conquered both local and international palates and is an essential part of Peruvian gastronomy, but what makes it so special, how is it prepared and what makes it a unique experience for the traveler? Read on our articulo to discover all the secrets of Pollo a la Brasa and learn how to prepare it at home. We are sure you won’t want to stop trying it!
Peruvian Chicken: An Unmissable Delicacy for Travelers
What is a Peruvian Chicken?
One of the favorite dishes of Peruvians is undoubtedly the grilled chicken, becoming an icon in the local gastronomy. The day of the pollo a la brasa is the third Sunday of July, but it is always a good time to eat a good ‘pollito con papas’ (chicken with potatoes).
Grilled chicken is an omnipresent product on Peruvian tables. In fact, we are the main consumers of chicken in Latin America: 47 kilos per year. And why? Because it is a healthy, nutritious, economical and very versatile meat. Such is the Peruvian taste for grilled chicken, that even the Ministry of Culture declared it a National Heritage in 2004, and has declared a day for it.
How is the Peruvian Chicken served?
The pollo a la Brasa in Peru (Peruvian Chicken) typically comes with french fries and salad. Some people use Peruvian potatoes, but the vast majority of chicken restaurants use pre-cooked potatoes. Regarding salads: some are fresh, others cooked.
Some have corn, others avocado and beet. There are chicken restaurants (Pollerias) that accompany the chicken with arroz chaufa or Aguadito (checken soup). However, one thing that is always present are the sauces: each chicken shop stands out for its unique mayonnaise and aji, two sauces that are inseparable from Peruvian chicken (Pollo a al Brasa) and provide the finishing touch to the entire chicken experience. And, of course, why not, ketchup too.
Peruvian Chicken Recipe
Here’s the other big secret behind its success. While there are many variations of Pollo a la Brasa around the world, what truly makes this Peruvian dish special is the seasoning that the ingredients bring to the chicken. Ingredients like dark beer, soy sauce, rosemary, huacatay, and even pisco give it a flavor that’s simply unmatched.
Below is the recipe for its Majesty, Pollo a la Brasa, so you can enjoy it at home.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, skin on and gutted
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 teaspoons ground garlic
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 4 teaspoons ground aji panca pepper
- 1 cup dark beer
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 quart vegetable oil
Preparation: First of all, the chicken should be cleaned. In a large bowl, make the marinade by combining salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, rosemary, aji panca pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, oil, and dark beer. Make everything into a paste and let it sit for one hour. Then put the chicken in a baking dish and put the marinade on the chicken, making sure it is coated on the inside and out. The chicken should be marinated for at least two hours (refrigerate for 12 hours for the best taste). When the chicken is marinated, put it in the oven for 40 minutes. It is also advisable to take it out every ten minutes and baste it with the cooking juices to avoid it from drying up and to achieve a nicely roasted skin. When the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown crust on both sides, take it out of the oven and present it on a platter, whole or cut up. In Peru, Pollo a la Brasa is usually served with different side dishes including the native Peruvian potatoes and a fresh and tasty salad. So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron and try to make this typical Peruvian delicacy. Bon Appétit!
Where to eat Pollo a la Brasa in Cusco, Peru
If you are in Cusco and want to enjoy the authentic Peruvian chicken (Peruvian Roasted Chicken), we recommend you to visit two best places to try the delicious Peruvian chicken.
First, you can’t miss the Peruvian Roasted Chicken at Toldos Chicken restaurant, located in the center of the city. This place is famous for its juicy and perfectly grilled chicken, accompanied by delicious side dishes such as fries and fresh salads. It is an ideal place to enjoy the Peruvian Chicken in Cusco, specially after your day tour in Cusco for dinner, highly recommended.
Another excellent place in Cusco to enjoy Pollo a la Brasa is El Tablón. This restaurant also stands out for its unique flavor, its excellent service and its specialty in grilled chicken, which is prepared with the traditional recipe that has conquered locals and tourists alike.
So if you are in Cusco, don’t miss the opportunity to savor one of the most emblematic dishes of Peruvian gastronomy in these best places.
Conclusion: Peruvian Chicken
Peruvian Chicken (Pollo a la Brasa) is much more than just a meal: it’s an experience that reflects the country’s rich gastronomic tradition. Whether you try it in Lima or Cusco or any other corner of Peru, this dish will always leave a smile on your face. Are you ready to enjoy one of the most emblematic flavors of Peruvian cuisine? Don’t forget to include it on your must-try list during your trip to Peru.
