Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken: Your Guide to a Vibrant and Creamy Aji Amarillo Chicken Dish
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to Peru with this exquisite Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken. This dish is a celebration of vibrant flavors and luxurious textures, showcasing the star ingredient: the mild, fruity aji amarillo pepper. Tender pieces of succulent chicken are lovingly coated in a rich, velvety sauce that offers a beautiful balance of creamy indulgence and a bright, zesty finish. It’s an absolute showstopper that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both bustling weeknight dinners and special gatherings. If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that delivers a memorable taste experience, this creamy aji amarillo chicken is sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken
This recipe stands out for a multitude of reasons, promising to delight your senses and impress your dinner guests.
- Exotic Yet Approachable Flavor: The aji amarillo pepper, central to Peruvian cuisine, offers a unique fruity heat that’s warm and inviting without being overwhelmingly spicy. It’s a flavor profile that’s both intriguing and incredibly comforting.
- Luxuriously Creamy Texture: Thanks to evaporated milk and cream cheese, the sauce achieves an incredible richness that clings perfectly to every piece of chicken.
- Bright and Zesty Finish: A generous squeeze of lime juice at the end cuts through the creaminess, adding a crucial bright note that elevates the entire dish and prevents it from being too heavy.
- Beautiful Golden Hue: The aji amarillo paste and a touch of turmeric give this dish a stunning golden color that’s as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Simple to Master: Despite its sophisticated flavor, the steps are intuitive and quick, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Crafting this delicious Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken relies on a few key ingredients, some of which may be new to your pantry!
- Olive Oil: For sautéing. Any neutral cooking oil will work.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of the sauce.
- Aji Amarillo Paste: This is non-negotiable for authentic flavor. Find it in the international aisle of larger supermarkets or at Latin American grocery stores. Do not confuse it with aji panca paste, which has a different flavor.
- Ground Cumin & Turmeric Powder: Cumin adds warmth, while turmeric enhances the golden color and offers a subtle earthy note.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work beautifully. Thighs offer a richer flavor and stay moister, while breasts are leaner. Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This dish also works wonderfully with turkey breast, cut into similar sized pieces.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of the sauce.
- Evaporated Milk & Cream Cheese: The dynamic duo for creating that incredible, smooth creaminess. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy incorporation.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is essential for that vibrant, zesty finish.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh Cilantro: A final flourish of freshness and color for garnish.
How to Make Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken
Follow these simple steps to bring this vibrant and creamy aji amarillo chicken dish to life in your kitchen:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can smell its inviting fragrance.
- Next, add the aji amarillo paste, ground cumin, and turmeric powder to the skillet. Cook these aromatic ingredients for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial for toasting the spices and deepening their flavors.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are lightly browned on all sides. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Pour in the chicken broth and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through completely and become wonderfully tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This creates that desirable rich, creamy texture. Stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve immediately over warm white rice or alongside boiled potatoes for a truly satisfying and complete meal.
Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken is easy with these expert tips:
- Source Your Aji Amarillo Paste: While many grocery stores now carry aji amarillo paste, check the international or Latin American aisle first. If you can’t find it, a specialty Latin market is your best bet for authentic flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Spice Toasting: Cooking the aji amarillo paste and spices briefly before adding liquids significantly deepens their flavor profile, making for a more complex and aromatic sauce.
- Lime is Key: The fresh lime juice added at the very end is not just for flavor; it provides essential acidity that brightens the creamy sauce and balances the richness. Don’t omit it!
- Adjust Spice Level: For those who enjoy a bit more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices in step 2.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1/2 cup of the simmering sauce, whisk it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth, then stir it back into the skillet. Continue to simmer gently until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal.
- Classic Pairing: Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Hearty Option: Boiled or roasted potatoes are another traditional Peruvian accompaniment that works wonderfully.
- Healthier Alternative: Quinoa makes an excellent alternative to rice or potatoes, offering a protein-rich base.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible golden sauce!
Storage & Reheating
Enjoying leftovers of your Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken is simple with these storage and reheating guidelines.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or evaporated milk to restore the sauce’s original consistency, as it can thicken in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
FAQ
What is aji amarillo?
Aji amarillo is a vibrant yellow-orange chili pepper native to Peru. It’s known for its distinctive fruity flavor and moderate heat level, typically ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units, making it milder than a habanero but more potent than a jalapeño. It’s a staple in Peruvian cuisine and gives this dish its signature color and taste.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! For an extra kick, simply add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices when you toast them in step 2.
Where can I find aji amarillo paste?
Aji amarillo paste is commonly found in the international or Latin American foods aisle of well-stocked supermarkets. If you can’t locate it there, try a dedicated Latin American grocery store or an online specialty food retailer. It’s usually sold in jars or cans.
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to breasts. They tend to stay juicier and have a richer flavor. Ensure they are cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. This dish also works wonderfully with turkey breast. For another creamy chicken main course, check out our Best Smothered Chicken with Rice Comfort Suppers.
Is this dish gluten-free?
As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your chicken broth and aji amarillo paste do not contain gluten-derived ingredients. Always check labels if you have a severe gluten sensitivity. If you’re looking for more versatile chicken dishes, you might also like these Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps.
The Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken offers a truly remarkable culinary experience, bringing the vibrant flavors of Peru right to your dinner table. Its harmonious blend of creamy richness, zesty brightness, and the unique fruity warmth of aji amarillo makes it an unforgettable dish. Simple to prepare yet delivering on gourmet taste, this recipe is a testament to how easily you can transform everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to delight in a dish that is as comforting as it is exciting.
Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken
Unleash a burst of vibrant flavor with this incredible Zesty Golden Aji Amarillo Cream Chicken. Tender, succulent chicken pieces are bathed in a rich, velvety sauce infused with the mild heat and fruity notes of Peruvian aji amarillo peppers. This dish masterfully balances a creamy texture with a bright, zesty finish, making it an absolute showstopper for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, yet delivers a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Peru. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside roasted potatoes for a truly satisfying and memorable meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup aji amarillo paste (available in Latin markets)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for enhanced color and warmth)
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or boiled potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the aji amarillo paste, ground cumin, and turmeric powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and develop their flavor.
- Add the chicken cubes to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. It does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Pour in the chicken broth and evaporated milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the fresh lime juice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately over warm white rice or alongside boiled potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove about 1/2 cup of the sauce, blend it with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir it back into the skillet while simmering. This dish also works wonderfully with turkey breast. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing & Simmering
- Cuisine: Peruvian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg