Description
This Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring perfectly roasted chicken served with a vibrant, spicy green sauce. The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices, giving it an irresistible smoky flavor. Paired with the creamy and tangy cilantro-based green sauce, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold and authentic Peruvian cuisine!
Ingredients
Scale
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For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or whole chicken, cut into pieces)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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For the Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed to thin out the sauce
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the white vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice to the bowl and mix well.
- Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
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Cook the chicken:
- Preheat your grill, oven, or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill or roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes (grill) or 35-40 minutes (oven) until the chicken is fully cooked through and the skin is crispy. If grilling, be sure to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.
- If you’re cooking on the stove, sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
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Prepare the green sauce:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, olive oil, and white vinegar.
- Blend until smooth. Add water little by little to achieve your desired consistency (it should be creamy but pourable).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeño if desired.
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Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked and golden, serve it with a generous drizzle of the green sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat in the green sauce by adding more or less jalapeño, or even using other chili varieties.
- Serve with traditional sides like rice, fried plantains, or a simple salad to complete the meal.
- Leftover chicken can be used in tacos, sandwiches, or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg