Peruvian Aji Verde Chicken Wings

Crispy wings, creamy sauce, maximum payoff. These simple, crackly chicken wings are dipped in Aji Verde, the Peruvian classic that’s zesty with lime, kicking with chilies, and absolutely loaded with cilantro. No secret tricks, just a match made perfect.

The first night I served them, the table went silent while everyone licked their fingers. No speeches, no questions… just the sound of wings disappearing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Peruvian Aji Verde chicken wings so addictive is the perfect balance of bold flavors and contrasting textures:

Crispy baked wings: Juicy on the inside with perfectly golden, crunchy skin.

Zesty Aji Verde sauce: A creamy, vibrant blend of cilantro, jalapeños, lime, garlic, and cheese.

Balanced heat: The sauce brings a little spice but stays creamy and smooth.

Simple process: Bake, blend, toss, and enjoy in under an hour.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for game days, parties, or anytime cravings hit.

For a fun kick, dust the wings with chili powder, swap in habaneros if you’re feeling bold, or blend in lime zest for extra brightness.

Save

Ingredients

For the Chicken Wings:

• 2 lbs chicken wings
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  
• 1 tsp onion powder
  
• ½ tsp ground cumin
  
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
  

For the Aji Verde Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  
• 2 jalapeños, seeds removed for mild heat
  
• 3 garlic cloves
  
• ½ cup mayonnaise
  
• ¼ cup sour cream
  
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  
• 2 tbsp lime juice
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• Salt, to taste
  

Optional Toppings:

• Extra chopped cilantro
  
• Lime wedges
  
• Grated parmesan
  
• Crushed red pepper flakes
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Season the Wings

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Bake Until Golden and Crispy

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange wings in a single layer and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skin turns crispy and golden.

3. Make the Aji Verde Sauce

While the wings bake, add cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, and salt to a blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Toss and Coat

Once the wings are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle in the Aji Verde sauce and toss until every wing is coated in creamy goodness.

5. Serve and Garnish

Plate the wings, drizzle extra sauce on top, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parmesan. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing squeeze.

Tips & Variations

• Extra crispy: Pat wings completely dry before baking and use a wire rack for even crisping.
  
• Heat control: Keep jalapeño seeds for more spice or swap for serranos for extra kick.
  
• Grill option: Instead of baking, grill the wings over medium-high heat for smoky flavor.
  
• Sauce boost: Blend in half an avocado for a creamier, richer Aji Verde.
  

Serving Suggestions

Serve these wings with extra Aji Verde sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with crispy fries, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad for balance. They also work perfectly as a party appetizer or game-day snack with ice-cold drinks.

Final Thoughts

These Peruvian Aji Verde chicken wings are everything wings should be, crispy, juicy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to disappear the second they hit the table.