Name: Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 15-20 chicken wings and drummies; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Zest of 1 lime; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (substitute tamari for gluten-free); 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 6 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1-2 jalapeños, seeds and membrane removed; 1-2 garlic cloves, smashed; 1 green onion, sliced; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste); Pinch of ground black pepper

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that packs incredible flavor, a touch of spice, and a fresh herbal zing, you absolutely have to try this Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe. These wings are marinated to perfection, grilled until irresistibly crispy, and paired with a vibrant, creamy cilantro sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a casual gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy in a way that’s downright addictive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl sits in the center filled with raw chicken wings, pale pink and light yellow in color, with skin texture visible. Surrounding the bowl are eight smaller clear glass bowls arranged in a loosely circular pattern on a white marbled surface. From the top going clockwise, there is a bowl with ground brown spices, a bowl with dark brown soy sauce, a bowl with red chili sauce, a bowl with a light green creamy sauce and a small silver spoon, a bowl with clear liquid, a bowl with bright green lime zest, a bowl with yellowish garlic pieces, and a bowl containing a mix of black pepper and salt. All bowls have simple clean edges, creating an organized presentation. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe lies in a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing to the bold marinade, the smoky flavor from the grill, or the luscious, zesty sauce that ties it all together.

Chicken wings and drummies (15-20): The star of the dish, perfect for grilling with crispy skin and juicy meat inside.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds smoothness and helps meld the marinade flavors as well as the sauce vibrancy.
Lime zest and juice (zest and juice of 2 limes): Brings fresh brightness and a lively tanginess crucial for that authentic Peruvian touch.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Provides umami depth and balances the citrus zing; tamari is a great gluten-free sub.
Garlic (2 teaspoons minced + 2 cloves smashed): Packs savory intensity that infuses the wings and the creamy sauce.
Garlic chili sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of smoky, spicy kick without overpowering.
Ground cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces warm earthiness that rounds out the marinade beautifully.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Seasons everything perfectly so the natural flavors shine through.
Fresh cilantro (1 1/4 cup chopped): The herbaceous heart of the luscious Aji Verde sauce, bursting with garden-fresh green notes.
Plain Greek yogurt (6 tablespoons): Creates the creamy, tangy base of the sauce that’s refreshingly cool against spicy wings.
Mayo (1/4 cup): Adds a velvety richness to the sauce that complements the grill-charred wings.
Jalapeños (1-2, seeds removed): Brings controlled heat and vegetal brightness to the sauce.
Green onion (1, sliced): Adds a mild, crisp bite to the sauce’s fresh complexity.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Enhances the zesty lift in the sauce without adding harshness.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken wings and drummies completely dry to ensure crispiness. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. In a large bowl or reusable bag, combine extra virgin olive oil, lime zest and juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, garlic chili sauce, ground cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Pour this vibrant marinade over the wings and toss until every piece is generously coated. Let those flavors mingle and intensify as you let the wings marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step infuses the meat with savory, tangy, and spicy complexity that sets the foundation for an unforgettable bite.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Aji Verde Sauce

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up the iconic Peruvian green sauce that makes this whole recipe pop. Toss fresh cilantro, Greek yogurt, mayo, jalapeños, smashed garlic cloves, green onion, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, rice vinegar, kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper into a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend everything until silky smooth, tasting and adjusting seasoning as you go. This sauce is a luscious dance of creamy, herbal, and zesty flavors — absolutely perfect for drizzling or dipping alongside your grilled wings.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to a high heat, aiming for 400 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and be sure those grates are cleaned and ready. This step is essential for achieving that smoky, charred crust that makes grilled chicken wings so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Wings

Remove the wings from the marinade, letting the extra drip off (discard the leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination). Arrange the wings directly on the grill grates, then lower the heat to a medium setting. Grill them for 5 to 7 minutes per side until their internal temperature reaches 162 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point. This grilling method ensures juicy meat and that signature crispy skin that every chicken wing lover dreams of.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once grilled, take the wings off the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes—this resting period lets the internal juices redistribute while the temperature rises safely to 165 degrees. Serve your Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe with the sauce drizzled lavishly on top or on the side as a flavorful dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle with crumbled feta or add quick pickled red onions for an extra pop of tang and texture.

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe

A clear glass bowl holds raw chicken wings coated in a light marinade with visible pieces of red and green herbs and spices. The chicken wings are pale pink with some white fat and skin showing, layered loosely across each other, partially submerged in the marinade that has an oily texture and small herb bits. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft light highlighting the glossy texture of the marinade and the natural details of the chicken wings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the wings, consider garnishes like fresh cilantro sprigs, crumbled feta cheese, or a few sprinkles of sesame seeds. Quick pickled red onions bring a bright acidity that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and smoky chicken. Each garnish adds a new texture and flavor dimension, making every bite an exciting experience.

Side Dishes

These wings pair wonderfully with simple but tasty sides like grilled corn on the cob, a crisp cabbage slaw, or roasted sweet potatoes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fluffy rice or even quinoa salad tossed with lime and herbs. These complementary sides balance the richness of the wings and the sauce, rounding out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, arrange the wings in a circle with a bowl of creamy Aji Verde sauce in the center for dipping, decorated with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. You could also skewer the wings and serve them as finger food at an outdoor gathering. Wrapping each in a banana leaf before grilling adds an authentic touch and infuses subtle aroma. Presentation is key to making this recipe as festive as it is flavorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days and keep their flavor well when properly chilled.

Freezing

To freeze leftover wings, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their texture. Frozen wings can be kept for up to 2 months. The creamy Aji Verde sauce is best made fresh but can be stored separately in the freezer for about a month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave. Heat wings at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through and crispy. Reheat the Aji Verde sauce gently in a small bowl at room temperature before serving or give it a quick stir if it separates in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make the Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use your oven’s broiler or a grill pan on the stovetop to achieve a similar charred effect. Just watch closely to prevent burning and turn frequently for even cooking.

Is the Aji Verde sauce spicy?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you add and whether you remove their seeds. For a milder sauce, use just one jalapeño with all seeds removed. If you love spice, go for two and include some seeds.

Can I substitute cilantro in the sauce?

Cilantro is key to the sauce’s authentic flavor, but if you’re not a fan, try substituting with fresh parsley or basil for a different but still fresh twist. Keep in mind the flavor will shift, but it will remain delicious.

How long should I marinate the wings?

While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating for a few hours or even overnight will deepen the flavors significantly and make the wings even juicier and more flavorful.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably satisfying about these Peruvian Chicken Wings with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce Recipe. From the juicy, perfectly grilled wings to the vibrant, creamy sauce, every bite feels like a little celebration. Whether for game day, a casual dinner, or a flavorful appetizer to impress friends, these wings are an absolute winner. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love with that bold, fresh taste as much as I have!