What Does ‘Amarillo’ Mean in This Dish?

In Spanish, “amarillo” means yellow, which refers to the vibrant yellow color of the sauce in the churu chicken amarillo recipe . The color comes from the ají amarillo pepper, which plays a pivotal role in giving the dish its signature hue and unique taste.

How Spicy is Churu Chicken Amarillo?

Ají amarillo has a mild to medium heat level, making the dish flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a bit more heat, simply add more ají paste or blend in a spicier chili. Conversely, if spice isn’t your thing, reduce the amount or substitute with yellow bell peppers for a milder experience.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! The churu chicken amarillo recipe is perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually deepen when the dish sits overnight. Store it in an airtight container and gently reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How Long Can I Store Churu Chicken Amarillo?

Properly stored, the dish lasts up to three days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before reheating.

5-Step Churu Chicken Amarillo Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Churu Chicken Amarillo Recipe

Print Recipe

This Churu Chicken Amarillo Recipe is a traditional Peruvian dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, mildly spicy ají amarillo sauce. The dish is rich, flavorful, and easy to make, making it perfect for both family meals and special occasions. Serve it with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Author: Sarra
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Peruvian

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 ají amarillo peppers (or 3 tbsp ají amarillo paste)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup queso fresco or feta, crumbled
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice. Let it rest for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ají Amarillo

If using fresh peppers, boil them for 10 minutes, remove the seeds, and blend until smooth. If using ají amarillo paste, skip this step.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add the ají amarillo paste or blended peppers and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the evaporated milk and stir in the crumbled queso fresco.
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Plate the chicken and pour extra sauce on top.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice, potatoes, or a side salad.
Serve with lime wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

Ají amarillo substitute: If unavailable, use yellow bell peppers blended with a pinch of chili flakes.
Dairy-free option: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and queso fresco with nutritional yeast.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Churu chicken amarillo, Peruvian chicken recipe, ají amarillo chicken, creamy Peruvian chicken, traditional Peruvian food, spicy chicken dish, South American recipes

Find it online: https://sarrarecipes.com/churu-chicken-amarillo-recipe/