17 Mouthwatering Sides to Serve with Peruvian Chicken: The Ultimate Guide

Are you planning to make some juicy, flavorful Peruvian chicken (pollo a la brasa) but not sure what to pair it with? You’re in the right place! As someone who’s obsessed with Peruvian cuisine, I’ve spent years perfecting not just the chicken itself but also the sides that make this meal truly exceptional.

Peruvian chicken is a game-changer with its spice-rubbed, juicy goodness, but the right sides can elevate your meal from good to absolutely unforgettable. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite sides that complement those bold, zesty flavors perfectly.

Must-Have Sauces for Peruvian Chicken

Before diving into side dishes, we gotta talk about the sauces! These aren’t optional – they’re essential companions to authentic pollo a la brasa

Aji Verde Sauce

This vibrant green sauce is absolutely non-negotiable when serving Peruvian chicken Made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and a creamy base of mayo and Greek yogurt, it brings a zesty kick that perfectly balances the chicken’s flavors.

Quick Aji Verde Recipe

• 3 jalapeños (seeded and chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Just blend everything except the olive oil, then drizzle in the oil while blending. Refrigerate until ready to serve!

Aji Amarillo Sauce

This creamy yellow sauce made with Peruvian yellow peppers (aji amarillo) offers a slightly different heat profile and is another authentic option. It’s tangy, creamy, and has a distinctive fruity heat that many find addictive.

Starchy Sides for Peruvian Chicken

1. Cilantro Lime Rice

One of my absolute favorites! The fresh cilantro and zesty lime perfectly complement the rich spices in Peruvian chicken. It’s super easy too – just add chopped cilantro and lime zest to cooked white rice.

For extra flavor, I sometimes cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water. The fluffy rice soaks up all the delicious chicken juices and sauce – heavenly!

2. Yuca Fries

For something different than regular potato fries, yuca (cassava) fries offer a deliciously crispy exterior with a soft, slightly sweet interior. They hold up well to the bold flavors of Peruvian chicken and are traditionally served alongside pollo a la brasa in Peru.

Simply toss yuca sticks in oil, salt and pepper, then bake until golden brown. Serve them with aji verde for dipping!

3. Sweet Potato Fries

These are a healthier alternative that pairs beautifully with Peruvian chicken. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the bold spices of the chicken. Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until crispy.

4. Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is a delicious addition that’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the chicken. It helps balance the richness and provides a satisfying carb component to round out the meal.

Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Sides

5. Avocado Salad

A simple avocado salad adds creaminess and freshness that beautifully balances the spicy chicken. Dice ripe avocados and combine with juicy tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

The creamy texture of avocado works wonders with the bold flavors of Peruvian chicken. For extra protein and fiber, you can add black beans or corn to the salad.

6. Quinoa Salad

Quinoa isn’t just nutritious – it’s also authentically Peruvian! A light and nutty quinoa salad with diced bell peppers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs makes for a perfect side dish. Dress it with a simple lime vinaigrette for a bright, tangy flavor that complements the chicken.

7. Roasted Vegetables

A colorful platter of roasted vegetables makes both a gorgeous presentation and a delicious accompaniment. I like to use:

• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Potatoes
• Garlic cloves

Just toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin, then roast until caramelized. The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken.

8. Elote (Mexican Grilled Corn)

Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayo, sprinkled with cotija cheese, and finished with lime juice and chili powder, adds a sweet and smoky element to the meal. The corn pairs wonderfully with the spices in the chicken.

9. Coleslaw

A crispy, creamy coleslaw provides refreshing crunch that balances the juicy Peruvian chicken perfectly. Use a mix of green and red cabbage with grated carrots, then toss with a dressing of mayo, lime juice, salt, pepper, and a touch of honey. Garnish with cilantro for extra flavor!

10. Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts might not be traditional, but they work surprisingly well with Peruvian chicken. Their slight bitterness and caramelized edges complement the chicken’s spice profile. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy on the outside and tender inside.

Legumes and Other Hearty Sides

11. Black Beans

No Peruvian meal feels complete without nutritious black beans. Their earthy flavor and creamy texture complement the chicken perfectly. Cook them with onions, garlic, and cumin for the best flavor. Add some diced jalapeños or red bell peppers for extra zing!

12. Lentils

Warm and protein-packed lentils pair wonderfully with Peruvian chicken. Cook them with aromatic onions, garlic, cumin, and chicken broth until tender. Their earthy flavor contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken skin. Try sprinkling some feta cheese on top for added flavor!

13. Fried Plantains

Crispy, caramelized fried plantains offer a sweet counterpoint to the spicy heat of the chicken. Use very ripe (black) plantains for the best flavor and texture. The sweetness balances the savory chicken beautifully, and they’re especially good with a dab of aji verde sauce!

Quick and Easy Additions

14. Pickled Red Onions

Quick-pickled red onions add a tangy, crunchy kick that cuts through the richness of Peruvian chicken. They’re super easy to make:

1. Slice red onions thinly
2. Soak in hot water for 5 minutes
3. Drain and toss with white vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper
4. Let pickle for 30-60 minutes

They provide the perfect pungent counterpart to the rich chicken.

15. Steamed Broccoli

Sometimes simple is best! Fresh steamed broccoli provides a nutritious green element to balance the meal. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil for a quick flavor boost that complements the chicken.

16. Grilled Asparagus

Tender and slightly charred grilled asparagus makes an elegant side for Peruvian chicken. The earthy, smoky flavors of the asparagus work beautifully with the chicken’s bold seasoning. Just toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.

17. Mango Salsa

For a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory chicken, try a vibrant mango salsa. The combination of ripe mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice creates a refreshing counterpoint that brightens up the entire meal.

The Perfect Peruvian Chicken Meal

For a truly amazing Peruvian chicken feast, I typically serve:

1. The star: Juicy Peruvian chicken
2. Essential sauce: Aji verde
3. Starchy side: Cilantro lime rice
4. Vegetable side: Avocado salad
5. Something crispy: Sweet potato fries or fried plantains

This combination offers a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition that makes for an unforgettable meal!

Final Tips

Remember that Peruvian chicken is already packed with flavor, so simple sides often work best. Don’t feel like you need to make all these sides at once – pick 2-3 that appeal to you and your guests.

Also, many of these sides can be prepared ahead of time, which makes entertaining much easier. Sauces like aji verde actually taste better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.

Next time you’re craving that delicious, spice-rubbed Peruvian chicken, try a few of these sides to create a truly impressive meal. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!

What’s your favorite side to serve with Peruvian chicken? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!