Name: Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
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 next barbecue or add an international twist to your dinner table, this Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe is the perfect choice.

Packed with bold, zesty flavors and complemented by a creamy, tangy green sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant taste of Peru straight to your kitchen. Whether grilled or baked, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious result every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peruvian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and unique combinations of spices, and this recipe is no exception. The marinated chicken is infused with a savory blend of garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika. The creamy green sauce, made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and Greek yogurt, adds a refreshing kick that perfectly complements the smoky, tender chicken.

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also versatile. You can make it on the grill for a summer barbecue or bake it in the oven for a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your taste buds to the flavors of Peru without needing to leave your home.

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, roughly chopped)
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions (chopped; green parts only)
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

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a blender, puree garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage it gently to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare 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 the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Option 1: Grill Method

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 350°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Discard the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs on the grill grates and close the lid to maintain heat. Grill for 5–6 minutes on one side.
Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a digital thermometer.

Option 2: Oven Method

Preheat your oven to 500°F.
Arrange the marinated chicken in a 13×9-inch roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the pan to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Then tent the pan with aluminum foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Peruvian chicken hot off the grill or straight out of the oven with a generous drizzle of green sauce on top. Pair it with:

Steamed white rice or quinoa for a hearty meal
Grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a healthy side
A fresh side salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast

The green sauce also doubles as an excellent dip for fries or tortilla chips, so be sure to make extra!

FAQs

What makes Peruvian chicken unique?

Peruvian chicken stands out because of its bold marinade that combines soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika. The addition of creamy green sauce made with fresh herbs and jalapeños gives it an authentic Peruvian touch that’s both flavorful and aromatic.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Be sure to adjust cooking times as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is moderate due to the jalapeños in the green sauce. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove all seeds and ribs from them before blending. For more spice, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sauce.

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 until ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests.

What can I do with leftover chicken?

Leftover Peruvian chicken is incredibly versatile! Shred it and use it in tacos or burritos, toss it into a salad for added protein, or serve it over pasta with some of the remaining green sauce as a dressing.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 731 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 39g
Fat: 60g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 155mg
Sodium: 1691mg
Potassium: 509mg
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 925 IU
Vitamin C: 21.6 mg
Calcium: 60 mg
Iron: 3.1 mg

Final Thoughts

This Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings vibrant Peruvian flavors right into your home. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something new for dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts: flavor, simplicity, and versatility.

So fire up your grill or preheat your oven and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious dish! Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll be asking for seconds (and the recipe).