Have you ever stared at a dish and thought, “This could use a little something!”? We’ve been there, and it’s a little frustrating, right?
That’s where side dishes come in. They can transform a simple meal into something special. Whether we’re dishing up some spicy Peruvian chicken or just craving a little extra flair, the right sides can really bring everything together.
We all love our mains, but let’s not forget those tasty accompaniments! They can add colour, texture, and a little zing to the plate. Ready to level up your dinners?
Let’s chat about the best side dishes to serve with Peruvian chicken and make every meal a hit!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Peruvian Chicken
Here are some great side dishes to pair with Peruvian chicken:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Aji Verde Sauce | Cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayo | Spicy, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Cilantro Lime Rice | Rice, cilantro, lime, garlic | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 20 mins |
| Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans | Quinoa, avocado, black beans, lime | Fresh, hearty | Medium | 25 mins |
| Peruvian-Style Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, paprika, garlic, olive oil | Savory, smoky | Medium | 35 mins |
| Choclo con Queso | Peruvian corn, queso fresco | Sweet, creamy | Easy | 15 mins |
| Causa Rellena | Potatoes, tuna or chicken, avocado | Creamy, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Red Peppers | Green beans, garlic, red peppers | Savory, fresh | Easy | 15 mins |
| Fried Plantains | Plantains, oil, salt | Sweet, savory | Medium | 20 mins |
| Peruvian Bean Stew | Canario beans, garlic, onions, spices | Hearty, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Arroz Chaufa | Rice, soy sauce, eggs, scallions, chicken | Savory, umami | Medium | 30 mins |
| Rocoto Relleno | Rocoto peppers, beef, onions, raisins | Spicy, savory | Medium | 50 mins |
| Peruvian Lentil Soup | Lentils, carrots, potatoes, cumin | Hearty, savory | Medium | 1 hr |
| Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri | Mixed vegetables, chimichurri sauce | Fresh, herby | Easy | 20 mins |
1 – Aji Verde Sauce
What’s the deal with aji verde sauce? This zesty condiment deserves a spotlight on our plates.
It brings a fiery kick to any dish.
We should think of it as our magical potion for adding flavor.
Don’t underestimate its simplicity. Just blend cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and some lime juice for a quick burst of tastiness.
It’s the ultimate sidekick for Peruvian chicken.
Perfect for drizzling or dipping. It makes ordinary meals suddenly feel fancy.
2 – Cilantro Lime Rice
Who thought rice could be a superstar? Cilantro lime rice is our go-to side. Fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice make this dish taste bright.
It’s simple to whip up and really complements Peruvian chicken perfectly.
We can easily tweak the flavors too. Add some garlic or a hint of jalapeño for extra flair.
This side dish keeps it light and refreshing. It also balances heavier meals nicely. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
3 – Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Black Beans
Quinoa salad? This dish can be pretty awesome.
It’s all about the combo of textures. Creamy avocado and hearty black beans work well together.
We can toss in some crunchy veggies for extra flair. Dressing is key. A splash of lime juice boosts the flavor.
Make it ahead for an easy side that stays fresh. Perfect for balancing spicy chicken. We can enjoy it warm or cold.
Quinoa salad is versatile and fun to play with.
4 – Peruvian-Style Roasted Potatoes
Next on our list of side dishes? Potatoes!
They’re a staple in many Peruvian recipes, and with good reason.
Roasted potatoes are so crispy and yummy.
A sprinkle of herbs and spices takes them to the next level. We love adding cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for a little kick.
These potatoes were practically made to go alongside Peruvian chicken.
5 – Choclo con Queso (Peruvian Corn with Cheese)
Choclo con queso? Sounds fancy, right? It’s just Peruvian corn topped with cheese.
We get some major buttery vibes from this stuff. The corn is sweet and juicy, while the cheese adds that creamy goodness we crave.
It pairs perfectly with any bold dish. A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavors.
Top tip? Use fresh corn for the best results.
This dish takes less time than waiting for the microwave. A quick way to boost any meal’s wow factor.
6 – Causa Rellena (Layered Potato Casserole)
Causa rellena is a cold potato dish that’s like a Peruvian hug on a plate. It’s creamy, layered, and super filling.
We can stuff it with anything—avocado, chicken, or seafood—mix it up! The vibrant colors scream “party” on any table.
Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day. We dig its versatility; it can be a starter or a main event.
Don’t skip the lime juice and aji for a zesty vibe. It’s a refreshing change from usual sides.
7 – Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Red Peppers
Sautéed green beans? They’re a classic side that can brighten any meal. Crunchy, fresh, and quick to make!
Add garlic and red peppers for flavor. The garlic gives a nice kick, while the peppers bring sweetness.
We find that a splash of lemon juice adds zing. Want to switch things up? Try different spices for extra fun.
These beans are versatile, pairing well with various dishes. They look great and taste even better. Perfect for both casual and fancy dinners!
8 – Fried Plantains
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/892991-7b3bbca134c844be892875531f30da4b.jpg)
Fried plantains are just bananas living their best lives. They are sweet, crispy, and a fabulous addition to any plate.
They shine when served alongside savory dishes. Ready to fry? Slice them thick or thin; both ways rock.
We can sprinkle some salt for a savory twist. A touch of lime juice lifts their flavor up. These little guys are quick to cook.
They turn golden brown in no time. Plantains can steal the spotlight as a side dish or snack.
9 – Peruvian Bean Stew
What’s better than a warm bowl of Peruvian bean stew? This dish is a cozy staple.
It’s filled with hearty beans and spices. Super nourishing and filling.
We can add our favorite veggies for some extra goodness.
A sprinkle of cheese on top adds a creamy touch. Easy to customize with what we have on hand.
Great for meal prep; it tastes even better after a day in the fridge.
Great with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Simple, tasty, and always a hit!
10 – Arroz Chaufa (Peruvian Fried Rice)
Ever wondered if fried rice could have a Peruvian twist? It can!
Arroz chaufa combines rice, veggies, and protein. We toss together whatever we have on hand.
It’s like a clean-out-the-fridge situation that works every time.
Adding soy sauce gives a nice kick. It’s all about that balance.
Mix in some scrambled eggs for texture. They make it creamy.
This dish is great for leftovers. We can whip it up quickly and customize to our taste.
Perfect for impressing friends on a casual weeknight.
11 – Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Peppers)
Next time we’re in the mood for a special side, let’s try rocoto relleno. It’s roasted peppers filled with meat and spices.
We can play with different fillings—beef or chicken is popular. The spice level is up to us!
These stuffed peppers will blow our minds! They’re comfort food at its finest.
Make sure to save room for dessert because these babies are filling!
12 – Peruvian Lentil Soup
Fried plantains are basically bananas giving themselves a glow-up.
They come out sweet and crispy. Great with savory dishes.
We slice them thick for more chew or thin for crunch.
A sprinkle of salt gives them a nice flair. Lime juice brightens everything up.
These little gems fry quickly. They turn golden brown in no time.
No need to be fancy. They’re versatile enough for any meal or as a snack.
13 – Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri
Last but not least, grilled vegetables with chimichurri are a match made in heaven.
The smoky flavor from the grill elevates the veggies’ taste while the tangy sauce adds depth.
We can use any veggie we want, but bell peppers and zucchini work great. Add some sweet potato for extra oomph.
It’s all about that charred perfection. Plus, it’s an easy way to get our daily dose of greens.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.