Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that will absolutely wow your tastebuds, Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is exactly what you need. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs are charred to perfection and served alongside a zesty, creamy green sauce that’s legendary in its own right—an irresistible pairing that’s as colorful as it is crave-worthy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the magic of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce fool you—the ingredient list is short and every item truly shines. Each one is carefully chosen to deliver its own burst of flavor, creamy texture, or fresh color that brings the whole dish together.

• Chicken Thighs: Look for boneless, skinless thighs for rich, juicy results that soak up flavor and stay tender on the grill or in the oven.
• Fresh Garlic: Essential for both the marinade and the sauce, its punchy, aromatic bite is the backbone of the whole dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami depth and salty complexity to balance the bright lime juice.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference—its citrusy zing turns ordinary chicken into something truly special.
• Olive Oil: Both for marinating and enriching the sauce, it helps keep the chicken juicy and the sauce glossy.
• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Black Pepper: These spices layer on earthiness, smokiness, and warmth with every bite.
• Jalapeños: Seeded for mild heat, they give the green sauce a peppery kick and a stunning emerald color.
• Fresh Cilantro: The soul of the green sauce—vibrant, herbal, and unmistakably Peruvian.
• Green Onions: Only the green parts for a gentle allium flavor that won’t overpower the sauce.
• Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: This creamy combo offers richness with a welcome tang, keeping the sauce lush but balanced.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget to season thoughtfully—they help all the other flavors shine.

Variations

What I adore about making Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is how easy it is to riff on the recipe. Whether you’re out of an ingredient, cooking for special dietary needs, or just want to spice things up, you’ve got plenty of delicious options!

• Use Drumsticks or Breast: Swap thighs for drumsticks or even chicken breast—just keep an eye on cooking time so the chicken stays juicy.
• Make It Spicier: Want more heat? Add an extra jalapeño, serrano, or even a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the green sauce.
• Dairy-Free Sauce: Replace Greek yogurt with more mayo or a plant-based alternative to suit dairy-free diets.
• Herb Swap: In a pinch, try adding a little fresh parsley or basil along with (not instead of) cilantro for a creative green sauce twist.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Step 1: Blend the Chicken Marinade

Start by adding garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a few grinds of black pepper to your blender. Puree until the mixture is smooth and irresistible—the aroma alone is a sign you’re on the right track! This intensely flavorful marinade forms the backbone of the chicken’s signature taste.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer your chicken thighs into a large resealable bag and pour in that aromatic marinade. Massage it all around the chicken to coat evenly, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours—or up to 24 for maximum flavor. The longer the chicken bathes in the marinade, the deeper and more complex the results!

Step 3: Make the Green Sauce

While the chicken marinates, blend together jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Process until super smooth. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil—this creates that signature creamy “green gold.” Taste for seasoning, then stash it in the fridge until showtime.

Step 4: Grill or Roast the Chicken

Ready to cook? Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 350°F). Let any excess marinade drip off, then grill the chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes on each side with the lid closed, aiming for those mouthwatering char marks. Or, roast the chicken in a hot (500°F) oven with a splash of water in the pan. Once the internal temp hits 165°F, you’re golden. Let the chicken rest before slicing.

Step 5: Serve with Green Sauce

Arrange the juicy chicken on a big platter, drizzle generously with the green sauce, and don’t forget an extra bowl on the side for dipping. This is the moment where Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce comes alive—totally company-worthy, yet effortless enough for a cozy weeknight!

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and an extra hint of freshness. For even more brightness, scatter a few lime wedges around the platter so everyone can squeeze a little extra zing over their chicken.

Side Dishes

Traditionally, Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is absolutely phenomenal with crispy roasted potatoes or thick-cut fries, but don’t stop there! A bowl of fluffy rice, a simple avocado salad, or even charred corn on the cob make perfect partners for all that saucy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and piling it into warm pita, wraps, or rolls with a drizzle of green sauce for an epic sandwich. Or, create a DIY chicken platter bar with different salsas and roasted veggies for casual entertaining—your guests will love building their own perfect plate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container for up to 3–4 days. Just be sure to store the chicken and green sauce in separate containers to keep the sauce as bright and fresh as possible.

Freezing

The cooked chicken freezes beautifully—just wrap portions tightly and freeze up to 3 months. For the green sauce, freezing will change the creamy texture, so it’s best made fresh or refrigerated for short-term use.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover chicken in a covered skillet or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Serve with fresh green sauce (not previously heated) for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, now is the perfect moment to bring this festive, flavor-bursting dish into your kitchen. It’s an easy, joyful recipe that never fails to impress—so gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready for lots of happy plates and glowing reviews!

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