Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and makes dinner feel like a special occasion, look no further than Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. Juicy, spice-kissed chicken pairs up with a creamy, tangy, and delightfully spicy sauce—it’s a match made in culinary heaven. The real magic is how the vibrant herbs and zesty lime come together to create a combination that’s both exotic and instantly comforting. Whether you’re gathering with friends or just shaking up your weeknight routine, this is one recipe that promises to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce pulls its weight to create the unique symphony of smoky, herbaceous, and tangy flavors you’ll remember. Simple, everyday items are transformed with the help of fresh herbs, bright citrus, and a touch of spice.

• Chicken Thighs (2 pounds, boneless, skinless): Thighs stay tender and juicy as they soak up all those yummy flavors.
• Garlic (5 cloves for the marinade, 2 cloves for the sauce): Fresh garlic adds a rich backbone of flavor to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Soy Sauce (1/3 cup): Offers savory depth and saltiness to the marinade.
• Lime Juice (2 Tablespoons for marinade, 1 Tablespoon for sauce): Brightens up the dish and adds a zesty zing.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tablespoon for marinade, 2 Tablespoons for sauce): Locks in moisture and silkiness—from marinating to sauce blending.
• Cumin (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm, earthy note that’s characteristic of Peruvian flavors.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a slight herbal edge that deepens the profile.
• Black Pepper (to taste + 1/4 teaspoon for sauce): A touch of spice for balance.
• Jalapeños (3, seeded and chopped): Bring heat and color to the green sauce without overwhelming it.
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves (1 cup): Deliver vibrant, grassy freshness to the sauce’s flavor and color.
• Green Onions (2, green parts only): Add mild onion flavor and a gentle crunch to the sauce.
• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce creamy and luscious.
• Greek Yogurt (1/4 cup): Lightens the sauce and adds tang.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the best in all the other ingredients.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Step 1: Blend the Marinade

Start by making the marinade, which is the heart of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. In a blender, combine five cloves of garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth and aromatic—you’ll immediately notice that signature Peruvian scent filling your kitchen. This mixture will deeply infuse the chicken with flavor, so be sure to blend until totally smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or container, then pour the marinade over them. Massage the bag a bit to make sure every piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or up to 24 hours if you want maximum flavor and tenderness. The longer it marinates, the deeper those smoky, citrusy, and garlicky notes become.

Step 3: Make the Green Sauce

No Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is complete without its legendary condiment! In a clean blender, combine the seeded and chopped jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, two cloves of garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until silky smooth. Now, with the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This gives your sauce its irresistible glossy richness. Transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve—it tastes even better after a couple of hours when flavors meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Grill or Oven)

Ready to cook? If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high (about 350 degrees F). Shake any excess marinade off the thighs and place them on the hot grates. Grill for 5–6 minutes with the lid closed, then flip and grill for another 5–6 minutes. The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Prefer the oven? Preheat to 500°F and arrange the chicken in a roasting pan with 1 cup water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent the pan with foil and cook 15 minutes more, until juicy and fully cooked through. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with tender, outrageously flavorful chicken.

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Garnishes

To complete the experience, sprinkle your chicken with a handful of freshly chopped cilantro or thin slices of green onion for extra color. If you love a little kick, a few thinly sliced jalapeño rounds on top are both eye-catching and tasty. A wedge of lime on the side not only adds a pop of color, but lets everyone squeeze on just the right amount of extra citrus.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that let those bold flavors shine. Think fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce, crispy roasted potatoes, or even grilled corn. A crisp green salad or a tangy cabbage slaw also adds nice freshness and crunch. For a real Peruvian touch, serve with “yuca fries” or seasoned black beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is versatile! Try slicing the chicken and tucking it into warm flatbread with drizzles of green sauce for a flavorful sandwich. Wrap leftovers in tortillas for an unconventional taco night, or chop up everything for an eye-catching grain bowl layered with rice, vegetables, and a generous spoonful of sauce. The bold colors and flavors make this dish shine in any presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftover Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, lucky you! Store the cooked chicken and green sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce actually gets even more flavorful after a night in the fridge, so don’t worry if you have extra—it makes great leftovers.

Freezing

The chicken is a wonderful candidate for freezing. Let it cool, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For the green sauce, because of the mayonnaise and yogurt, freezing isn’t recommended as it may separate and lose its creamy consistency. Try to enjoy the sauce within a few days, fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your leftover chicken back to life, pop it in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. For the sauce, just give it a good stir before serving; no need to reheat—its cool creaminess is the perfect contrast to warm chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, just make sure to adjust the cooking time and check that they don’t overcook—breasts will need slightly less time on the grill or in the oven to stay juicy and tender.

How spicy is the green sauce?

The green sauce for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce has a zesty kick, but removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños keeps it from being overwhelmingly spicy. For more heat, leave a few seeds in, or add another pepper to taste!

Can I make the green sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt. Either way, the sauce will stay creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary needs.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill, no problem. The oven method gives you just as much flavor and a juicy result. If you like, finish the chicken under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get a little char and crispiness.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! If little ones are sensitive to heat, use less jalapeño or serve the green sauce on the side so everyone can build their own plate. Kids often love the bright flavor and tender chicken once they give it a try!

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether for a special gathering or an everyday meal. Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce delivers knockout flavor and vibrant color every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table!

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