Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this Ultimate Peruvian Grilled Chicken recipe. Marinated in a fragrant blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and fresh cilantro, then grilled to perfection and finished with a sweet honey glaze, this dish delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes. Ideal for outdoor grilling, it’s a delicious and impressive main course that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Main
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Glaze
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, white vinegar, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly mixed into the liquids.
- Add Lime Juice and Cilantro: Add the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl and mix again until everything is incorporated into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Make the Honey Glaze: While the chicken is grilling, prepare the glaze by combining the water and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the honey is fully dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle the honey glaze over the grilled chicken breasts, ensuring a nice coating on each piece.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the glazed chicken for a bright, fresh flavor boost.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes or enjoy as a main course on its own.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour; 8 hours gives deeper flavor.
- Ensure grill is preheated for even cooking and grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Honey glaze adds a nice sweetness—avoid burning by cooking glaze gently.
- Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving to maintain color and freshness.
- This recipe pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
