Pollo chijaukay

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Pollo chijaukay is a classic dish from Chifa cuisine (the Chinese–Peruvian culinary fusion) that consists of pieces of chicken (traditionally, deboned chicken thighs) that are first marinated, steamed, and then battered and deep-fried until crisp. The crisp chicken is coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce made with chicken stock, soy sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, sesame oil, mensi sauce, ginger, scallions, Chinese rice wine, Chinese five-spice, and a touch of sugar and white pepper. The result is tender chicken with a crunchy exterior, glazed in a richly flavored sauce that reflects its Cantonese roots but adapted with Peruvian tastes. It's usually topped with scallions and sesame seeds and served with white rice or sometimes alongside noodles, making it one of the staple comfort foods in Chifa restaurants across Peru.