The Zesty Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe You’ll Love

Tender, juicy chicken meets its perfect match in this zesty Peruvian chicken with green sauce that will revolutionize your dinner routine.

Packed with vibrant flavors, this classic Peruvian dish brings the bold spirit of South American cuisine right to your kitchen.

The creamy, herbaceous green sauce creates a magical coating that transforms simple roasted chicken into an extraordinary meal.

Fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and tangy lime blend seamlessly to create a sauce that dances on your palate.

Each bite promises a burst of bright, complex flavors that transport you to the streets of Lima.

The marinade infuses the chicken with deep, aromatic notes that guarantee a memorable dining experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure.

FAQs

• What makes the green sauce unique?

The green sauce is a classic Peruvian condiment made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and creamy elements like mayonnaise or sour cream, creating a vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.

• Can I marinate the chicken for longer?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level can be adjusted by controlling the number of jalapeños in the green sauce. Remove the seeds for a milder sauce or add more for extra heat.

Reasons To Love Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce

• Savor Simple Baking Bliss: Perfect for bakers who want a stress-free dessert experience without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creates a nostalgic treat that brings families and friends together, delivering classic cinnamon-sugar warmth in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Great for casual gatherings, potlucks, school events, or quick sweet snacks that satisfy sudden sugar cravings.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses basic kitchen tools and requires just one baking pan, reducing washing time and making the entire baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Ingredients For Peruvian Chicken And Sauce

• Whole Chicken or Chicken Pieces: Fresh chicken that provides the main protein for this Peruvian-style dish.

• Garlic, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spices that create a deeply flavored base for the chicken.
• Lime Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute the marinade evenly and adds moisture.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that gives the sauce its signature green color and vibrant flavor.
• Jalapeño: Provides a mild heat and additional depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the green sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Brings acidity and freshness to balance the creamy ingredients.

• White Rice: The base grain for serving with the chicken.
• Chicken Stock: Adds rich flavor to the rice.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic base for the rice.
• Butter or Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and add richness.
• Frozen Peas: Adds color and light vegetable element to the rice.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.

Step-By-Step Peruvian Chicken Preparation

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Blast Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Set aside 1/4 of the marinade for later basting.

Thoroughly coat the chicken with the remaining marinade and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

• Cilantro
• Garlic
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Get your grill sizzling at medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 450°F.

If serving with rice, start preparing it now.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or bake in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking for extra juiciness.

Step 4: Craft the Fluffy Rice Companion

Rinse and soak rice for 10-15 minutes. In a pan, saute onions and garlic in butter or oil.

Add rice and your favorite seasonings. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle in peas and let the rice rest to achieve perfect texture.

Step 5: Blend the Magical Green Sauce

Toss all green sauce ingredients into a blender.

Whirl until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Garlic
• Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Olive oil

Step 6: Create a Culinary Masterpiece

Spread the fluffy rice on a plate, crown it with the perfectly cooked chicken, and drizzle the vibrant green sauce generously over the top.

Useful Tips For Peruvian Chicken Success

• Reserve a portion of the marinade for basting to enhance flavor and moisture during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165oF for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Soaking rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and creates fluffier, more separate grains.
• Blend green sauce ingredients just before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximum flavor intensity.
• Can easily adapt recipe by using grill or oven depending on available cooking equipment or weather conditions.

Flavorful Variations For Peruvian Chicken Dish

• Veggie Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking similarly for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add chopped jalapeños to the marinade and green sauce for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Substitute rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that complements the chicken and green sauce.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate option that maintains the dish's authentic taste.

Foods To Pair With Peruvian Chicken

• Perfectly Pair Peruvian Chicken Delight
• Complement Zesty Green Herb Sauce: Choose a crisp, bright sauvignon blanc from Chile or New Zealand to match the herb-packed green sauce's vibrant flavors.
• Enhance Grilled Chicken's Richness: Select a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to balance the chicken's smoky grilled character without overwhelming the delicate spices.
• Elevate Rice Side Dish: Opt for a cold, refreshing Peruvian beer like Cusqueña or a citrusy wheat beer to cut through the buttery rice and provide a clean palate contrast.
• Boost Overall Meal Experience: Consider adding a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lime dressing to introduce fresh, tangy notes that harmonize with the chicken's marinade and green sauce.

How To Store Peruvian Chicken Properly

• Store leftover Peruvian chicken and green sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Pack chicken and green sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing rice as it loses texture.
• Warm chicken in microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, or in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of chicken stock to prevent drying.
• Gently reheat sauce in microwave or stovetop, stirring occasionally. If sauce separates, whisk briskly or blend quickly to restore creamy consistency.

Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Peruvian chicken with green sauce brings zesty South American flavors to your dinner table, blending herbal cilantro, tangy lime, and succulent grilled chicken. Creamy aji verde sauce elevates each bite, promising a delicious journey through Peru’s culinary landscape you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons oil of choice

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful marinade by thoroughly blending all designated ingredients in a mixing vessel, setting aside a quarter portion for later basting purposes.
2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring even coating, and refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
3. While marinating, prepare cooking surface by preheating grill to medium-high heat or oven to 450°F.
4. Simultaneously, initiate rice preparation by rinsing grains and allowing them to soak for 10-15 minutes.
5. In a separate pan, sauté aromatic onions and garlic in butter or oil until translucent, then incorporate rice and complementary seasonings.
6. Pour chicken stock into rice mixture, bringing liquid to a rolling boil before reducing heat, covering, and allowing to simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Gently fold in green peas during final moments of rice cooking, then remove from heat and let rest.
8. Carefully position marinated chicken onto heated grill or baking surface, cooking 5-7 minutes per side or approximately 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Midway through cooking, delicately brush chicken with reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor.
10. Simultaneously, transform green sauce ingredients into a silky, uniform mixture using blending technique, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
11. Elegantly plate fluffy rice as foundation, crown with perfectly grilled chicken, and generously cascade green sauce over entire dish.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat.
• Ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature to prevent dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise temperature checking instead of guessing cooking time.
• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version with similar marinade and cooking techniques.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 275 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg