Churu Chicken Amarillo

If you’ve ever stared into the fridge at 5:37 p.m. like it personally betrayed you… hi, same. That’s exactly why Churu Chicken Amarillo is about to become your weeknight hero. It’s creamy, sunshine-yellow, a little spicy (but totally adjustable), and tastes like you planned dinner instead of panic-cooking it.

This is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for a Tuesday when your brain is running on iced coffee and sheer determination.

Why You’ll Love This Churu Chicken Amarillo

• Fast but impressive: Done in about 30 minutes, but it tastes restaurant-level.
• One skillet magic: Less cleanup = more joy.
• Creamy, bold flavor: That ají amarillo sauce is warm, peppery, and comforting.
• Flexible spice: You’re the boss. Make it mild, medium, or “who needs eyebrows anyway?”

And because I’m Aneta from Chicken Magic Recipes, you know I’m here for meals that make your family say, “Wait… YOU made this?” (Yes. Yes you did.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the chicken

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Amarillo sauce

• 3 Tbsp ají amarillo paste (or substitute: 1 tsp turmeric + ½ tsp paprika)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• Optional: ¼ tsp sugar (helpful if your paste is extra spicy)

Optional garnishes and sides

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Cooked white rice or quinoa
• Fried plantains (if you want major “vacation vibes”)

How to Make Churu Chicken Amarillo

1) Season the chicken (tiny step, big payoff)

Rub your chicken with salt and pepper and let it rest for 10 minutes.

This isn’t just “busywork.” It helps the seasoning actually sink in. Also, it gives you a moment to breathe and pretend you’re on a cooking show.

2) Sear until golden and gorgeous

Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

• Thighs are more forgiving (read: juicier).
• Breasts work great too—just don’t overcook them.

Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Try not to snack on it immediately. (I said try.)

3) Build flavor in the same skillet

In the same pan, add 1 Tbsp olive oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Add garlic and cumin and cook 1 minute, just until fragrant.

If your kitchen smells amazing right now, that’s not an accident. That’s cumin doing its thing.

4) Add the ají amarillo paste

Stir in the ají amarillo paste and cook it for 2 minutes.

This wakes up the flavor and turns your onions into a golden, spicy little flavor blanket. (Yes, flavor blanket is a real cooking term in my house.)

5) Simmer with broth

Pour in ½ cup chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Those bits? That’s free flavor. Don’t leave them behind like a forgotten load of laundry.

Bring it to a gentle simmer.

6) Make it creamy

Add ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk, stirring until smooth. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.

You’re looking for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon—not soup, not paste, somewhere in that dreamy middle.

7) Bring the chicken back and finish

Return the chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer 5 minutes.

Taste the sauce:

• Need more salt? Add a pinch.
• Want it milder? Add a splash more cream.
• Too spicy? Add that ¼ tsp sugar to round it out.

8) Garnish and serve

Top with fresh cilantro and serve with:

• White rice (classic, soaks up sauce like a champ)
• Quinoa (if you’re feeling virtuous)
• Fried plantains (if you’re feeling fun)

Cooking Tips (Because Life Happens)

• Thighs = easiest win. If you’re cooking for picky eaters or easily distracted cooks (me), thighs stay tender.
• No ají amarillo paste? Your turmeric + paprika swap works, but it’ll be more “warm and creamy” than “Peruvian peppery.” Still delicious.
• Sauce too thick? Add a splash of broth.
• Sauce too thin? Let it simmer another 2–3 minutes, uncovered.
• Don’t worry if it looks a little weird at first. Cream sauces sometimes look like they’re questioning their life choices… then they come together beautifully. It’s all part of the magic.

A Quick Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made Churu Chicken Amarillo, I was trying to break out of a dinner rut. You know the one: chicken in one form, chicken in another form, chicken again… and suddenly your family acts like chicken is a personal insult.

This sauce fixed that. My kids didn’t even ask “what’s in it?” (A miracle.) They just asked for more sauce on their rice—which is basically a five-star review in mom-world.

Now it’s one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, colorful, and just different enough to feel exciting.

FAQs About Churu Chicken Amarillo

Make Dinner Feel Easy Again

If you’re craving something comforting but not boring, Churu Chicken Amarillo is the move. It’s creamy, bright, and full of flavor without needing a million ingredients—or a second skillet you’ll have to wash later.

Make it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your “I need a win today” dinner. And when that amarillo sauce hits the rice? You’ll understand why I call this chicken magic.

Keep the Good Dinner Vibes Going (You’ll Love These Too)

If Churu Chicken Amarillo hit the spot with that cozy, creamy, “one more bite” kind of comfort, don’t stop now—here are a few more reader-favorite dinners that bring the same warm, saucy, weeknight-friendly energy:

• Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce — Bright, bold, and packed with flavor, this is a perfect next recipe if you loved the amarillo-style warmth.
• Spicy Jalapeno Chicken with Creamy Sauce — Creamy + spicy in the best way, with that “why is this so good?” sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma — Set-it-and-forget-it comfort with big flavor—great for busy days when you want dinner handled for you.
• Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce — Rich, cheesy, and super easy—another saucy chicken dinner that feels like a treat without the stress.

If you try Churu Chicken Amarillo (or any of these), scroll down and leave a ★★★★★ review—your stars and sweet comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner!

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