Anticuchos de Pollo (Peruvian Chicken Skewers)

Name: Anticuchos de Pollo (Peruvian Chicken Skewers)
Total time: 85 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup ají panca paste (about 4 ounce); 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons gochujang; 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted cumin seeds; 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large garlic clove; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed); 1/4 cup roughly chopped red onion; 1 jalapeño, seeded and sliced; 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 3/4 cup huacatay paste; 4 ounces cream cheese (about 1/2 cup), at room temperature; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes); 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped

5.0

(2)

3 Reviews

These Peruvian skewers are coated in a thick chile marinade that withstands the heat of the grill and clings to the chicken, yielding caramelized, charred bits.

By

Stephanie Izard

Updated on July 20, 2023

Tested by

Food & Wine Test Kitchen

Ingredients

1/2 cup ají panca paste (about 4 ounce)
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons gochujang
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 large garlic clove
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

Huacatay Dipping Sauce

1/4 cup neutral oil (such as grapeseed)
1/4 cup red onion, roughly chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and sliced
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3/4 cup huacatay paste
4 ounces cream cheese (about 1/2 cup), at room temperature
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
1 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped

Directions

Soak 8 (12-inch) wooden skewers in water 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat grill to very high (500°F to 550°F). Place ají panca paste, olive oil, vinegar, gochujang, tamari, cumin, oregano, pepper, and garlic in a blender; process until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl; add chicken, and stir to coat. Let stand 5 minutes at room temperature.
Remove skewers from water. Thread 4 to 5 chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a 1/2-inch space between pieces. Place kebabs on oiled grates; grill, covered, until charred and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Serve with huacatay dipping sauce.

Meanwhile, make the dipping sauce

Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in huacatay paste. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Transfer huacatay mixture to a blender; process until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add cream cheese, lime juice, and mint; process until fully incorporated, about 30 seconds.