If you're looking for the perfect side dishes and drinks to enjoy with your Peruvian chicken (pollo a la brasa), you're in the right place.
Peruvian chicken is a perfect dish, but only if you know how to accompany it. Here, you'll discover a list that never fails. There is a reason why Peruvian food is one of the best tourist destinations according to National Geographic.
Chaufa Rice (Arroz chaufa)
In Peru, it's common to pair Peruvian chicken with chaufa rice. Made with chopped sausage, red bell pepper, eggs, soy sauce, and green onions, this dish is delicious on its own, but when combined with Peruvian chicken, it's an explosion of flavors. This Peruvian dish was influenced by Chinese techniques and ingredients.
Green Rice
The green hue in this rice comes from blending cilantro with other ingredients, which balances the juicy, salty flavor of your Peruvian chicken.
Fried Yuca
If you're looking to substitute fries, fried yuca is a great idea. Enjoy it cut into sticks as a side for Peruvian chicken. Some even find it tastier than fries. First, you'll need to boil the yuca for 10 to 15 minutes before frying.
Fried Plantains
If you enjoy sweet and salty flavor combinations, fried plantains are perfect with Peruvian chicken. When you fry the plantains, you'll notice them caramelize and turn golden. Their crunchy, sweet flavor perfectly balances the taste of pollo a la brasa.
Simple Salad
Choose this side if you prefer a healthier option. A simple salad with cucumber and avocado, diced cucumbers and avocado, a bit of chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. I also add a generous amount of chopped jalapeño.
Drinks to Pair with Peruvian Chicken
Chicha Morada
A traditional Peruvian drink made from purple corn. Historically consumed in pre-Inca ceremonies, this drink is prepared by boiling purple corn with cinnamon and cloves or can be purchased pre-made. Besides being healthy, it’s the perfect companion for Peruvian pollo a la brasa.
Wines
Some of the best wines to pair with Peruvian chicken include light red wine, white wine, and sangria.
Lemonade
A chilled lemonade will refresh your palate.
Sodas
Many sodas pair well with pollo a la brasa, but one stands out: Inca Kola, a classic Peruvian drink that competes with Coca-Cola.