Peruvian chicken, known as pollo a la brasa in Peru, is a popular dish that originated in Lima. It consists of chicken that is marinated in Peruvian spices and oils, then rotisserie grilled over hot coals. The chicken comes out tender and juicy on the inside with a crispy, charred exterior. It is typically served with French fries and fresh salad. Finding the right sides and sauces to accompany Peruvian grilled chicken can elevate the flavors and make for a more authentic Peruvian meal. In this article, we will explore what sides and sauces pair best with pollo a la brasa.
What are some classic Peruvian sides that go with chicken?
Some classic Peruvian side dishes that complement pollo a la brasa wonderfully include:
Cancha corn
Cancha corn is toasted corn kernels that are crunchy and salty. The texture contrasts nicely with the juicy chicken. Cancha corn adds a touch of saltiness and crunch to balance the flavors.
Yuca fries
Crispy yuca fries offer a starchy, potato-like accompaniment to the chicken. Yuca, also known as cassava, is a root vegetable that is peeled, sliced, and fried until golden and crispy on the outside. The interior remains soft and fluffy. Yuca has a neutral flavor that soaks up the seasonings it is fried in.
Plantains
Sweet plantains can be fried or baked as a side. They have a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken. Ripe plantains are naturally sweeter than unripe ones. Fried green plantains offer a more starchy, crispy texture.
Rice
Plain white rice or cilantro lime rice are simple, traditional starch accompaniments. The rice soaks up the flavorful juices and helps balance the spice rub on the chicken.
Beans
Peru features many excellent bean varieties. Canary beans, fava beans, and lima beans are commonly served with chicken. Beans add protein and fiber.
What Peruvian sauces go well with grilled chicken?
There are several quintessential Peruvian sauces that take pollo a la brasa to the next level:
Aji sauce
Aji is a classic Peruvian yellow chili pepper sauce. It brings mild heat and citrus flavor from ingredients like garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and ají amarillo peppers. The tanginess cuts through the juiciness of the chicken.
Huancaína sauce
This creamy, cheesy sauce features queso fresco cheese blended with ají amarillo peppers, evaporated milk, and crackers or breadcrumbs to thicken it. The mild spiciness pairs wonderfully with chicken.
Salsa criolla
A fresh salsa criolla contains diced red onion, ají peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. The brightness balances the richness of the chicken.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is an uncooked green sauce with parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, oregano, and ají peppers. It brings a tangy, herby flavor.
| Sauce | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Aji sauce | Ají peppers, garlic, lime juice, cilantro | Mildly spicy, citrusy |
| Huancaína sauce | Queso fresco, ají peppers, evaporated milk | Creamy, mildly spicy |
| Salsa criolla | Onion, ají peppers, cilantro, lime juice | Fresh, bright |
| Chimichurri | Parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, ají peppers | Tangy, herby |
What kinds of salads pair well with Peruvian grilled chicken?
Some salad options that complement pollo a la brasa wonderfully:
Solterito
Solterito is a classic Peruvian bean salad made with lima beans, red onions, tomato, ají peppers, feta cheese, cilantro, and a tangy dressing of vinegar, olive oil, lime juice and salt. The creaminess of the beans balances the chicken.
Causa
Causa is a mashed potato salad mixed with ají peppers, lime juice and oil. It can be layered and topped with chicken for a hearty, delicious pairing.
Papa a la Huancaína
This is another potato-based salad with a spicy huancaína sauce drizzled on top. The cool, creamy potatoes contrast with the chicken nicely.
Green salad
A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion and cilantro adds freshness. A tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the chicken.
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Solterito | Lima beans, onion, tomato, feta, cilantro | Creamy, tangy |
| Causa | Mashed potatoes, ají peppers, lime | Creamy, spicy |
| Papa a la Huancaína | Potatoes, huancaína sauce | Cool, creamy, spicy |
| Green salad | Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cilantro | Fresh, tangy |
What are good Peruvian drinks to serve with pollo a la brasa?
Here are some tasty beverages that pair nicely with Peruvian grilled chicken:
Chicha morada
Chicha morada is a non-alcoholic purple corn drink that is sweet and tart. It often contains cinnamon and lime. The tartness helps cut through the richness of the chicken.
Inca Kola
Inca Kola is Peru’s popular yellow soda that has a unique sweet flavor. It makes a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of chicken.
Chicha de jora
Chicha de jora is a traditional Peruvian corn beer that has a light, sour flavor. The mild alcohol balances the spices on the chicken.
Pisco sour
The pisco sour cocktail mixes grape brandy pisco with lime juice, syrup, egg white, and bitters for a frothy, tart and sweet drink. It complements the chicken flavors nicely.
| Drink | Ingredients | Taste |
|---|---|---|
| Chicha morada | Purple corn, lime juice, cinnamon | Sweet, tart |
| Inca Kola | Lemon verbena, sweeteners | Sweet, citrusy |
| Chicha de jora | Corn, water | Light, sour |
| Pisco sour | Pisco, lime juice, egg white | Tart, frothy, sweet |
Conclusion
Peruvian grilled chicken is an incredibly versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides, sauces and beverages. Starchy sides like yuca fries, rice or beans complement the chicken nicely. Fresh salads with creamy bean or potato bases also balance the flavors. Tangy, spicy sauces like aji sauce, salsa criolla and chimichurri take the chicken to the next level. Tart, fruity drinks help cut through the richness. Experiment with classic Peruvian combinations to find your perfect match for pollo a la brasa and round out an authentic Peruvian meal.