Name: Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless); 5 cloves garlic (peeled); 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 Tablespoons lime juice; 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Black pepper, to taste; For the Green Sauce:; 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped); 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 green onions (green parts only, chopped); 2 cloves garlic (peeled); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 Tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s bold, zesty, and packed with international flair, Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated with aromatic spices and a creamy, vibrant green sauce that will have your taste buds dancing.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or preparing a cozy family meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love Peruvian Chicken

Peruvian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and unique combinations of spices. This recipe is no exception. The chicken is marinated in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, cumin, and paprika, giving it a smoky and tangy flavor profile. Paired with the creamy green sauce made with jalapeños, cilantro, and Greek yogurt, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heat and freshness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): Juicy and tender, perfect for grilling or roasting.
5 cloves garlic (peeled): Adds a robust, aromatic flavor.
1/3 cup soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami depth to the marinade.
2 Tablespoons lime juice: Brightens the marinade with a citrusy zing.
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Helps lock in moisture while cooking.
2 teaspoons cumin: Brings warm, earthy tones to the dish.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and color.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbal fragrance.
Black pepper: To taste.

For the Green Sauce:

3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped): Adds a mild kick of heat.
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves: The star ingredient for a vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
2 green onions (green parts only): Contributes a mild oniony taste.
2 cloves garlic (peeled): Enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy texture.
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and richness.
1 Tablespoon lime juice: Balances the heat with citrusy brightness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a touch of spice.
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Gives the sauce its silky finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth to create your marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage it gently to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Making the Green Sauce:

In a blender or food processor, combine jalapeños, cilantro leaves, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the sauce. Transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cooking the Chicken:

On the Grill:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 350°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill grates.
Cook for 5–6 minutes with the grill cover closed to maintain heat. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

In the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 500°F. Place the marinated chicken thighs in a 13×9-inch roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the pan to keep them moist during cooking.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Then tent the pan with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Tips for Success

Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken marinate for at least 8 hours ensures that it absorbs all the delicious flavors from the marinade.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños make all the difference in achieving a vibrant and flavorful green sauce.
Check Doneness: Always use a digital thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection at 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Rice or Quinoa: A neutral base to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the smoky chicken perfectly.
Fresh Salad: A light cucumber or avocado salad can add freshness to your meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs; just adjust cooking times as they may cook faster due to being leaner.

2. How spicy is the green sauce?

The heat level is mild since the jalapeños are seeded and their ribs removed. If you prefer more spice, leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the green sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

4. Is there a substitute for cilantro?

If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.

5. Can I bake this recipe instead of grilling?

Yes! The oven method provided in this recipe works perfectly if you don’t have access to a grill.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce provides:

Calories: 731 kcal
Protein: 39g
Fat: 60g (12g saturated fat)
Carbohydrates: 5g
Sodium: 1691mg

Final Thoughts

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your plate. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or roasting in your kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender chicken and creamy green sauce will transport you straight to Peru without ever leaving home!

So fire up that grill (or preheat your oven) and get ready to wow your family and friends with this irresistible dish!