Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce: Easy, Spiced, and Zesty Recipe

Hey, friend! Ever sink your teeth into a piece of chicken so juicy and flavorful it feels like a fiesta in your mouth? Let me introduce you to Peruvian chicken with green sauce, a spiced, succulent dish paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that’s pure magic. I made this for a backyard BBQ last summer, and it disappeared faster than my sunglasses at a pool party! Ready to cook up a meal that’ll make your kitchen smell like a Peruvian street market? Let’s get grilling!

Why Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Is a Total Winner

So, what’s the hype with this dish? It’s not just chicken—it’s a flavor-packed masterpiece with a vibrant marinade and a sauce that steals the show. I mean, who can resist that spicy, zesty combo? Here’s why this recipe rocks:

Quick to Prep: Marinate in 30 minutes, cook in 25 minutes for a fast feast.
Bold Flavors: Cumin, paprika, and jalapeño create a Latin-inspired kick.
Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or meal prep.
Crowd-Pleaser: The green sauce makes everyone beg for seconds.

Ever wonder why Peruvian food tastes so vibrant? It’s that bold marinade and addictive green sauce that make this chicken a star.

The Magic of the Marinade and Green Sauce

The stars here are the spiced marinade and aji verde (green sauce). The marinade blends cumin, paprika, and garlic for smoky depth, while the sauce mixes cilantro, jalapeño, and lime for a creamy, zesty punch. I learned the hard way that too much jalapeño in the sauce can set your mouth on fire—seed it for balance! It’s like a Peruvian party on your plate

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This recipe uses simple staples to create that authentic Peruvian flavor, serving about 4. Here’s what you’ll grab:

For the Chicken

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Green Sauce

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese for garnish 🙂

Substitutions That Work

No chicken thighs? Chicken breasts or drumsticks work great, just adjust cooking time. Out of cilantro? Parsley can pinch-hit, but cilantro’s the soul of the sauce, IMO. Want it dairy-free? Swap mayo for vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for tang. The key is that spiced chicken-green sauce vibe, so don’t skip the spices or jalapeño!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Ready to cook? This recipe is easy but feels like a restaurant dish. Here’s how to nail it:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Coat chicken thighs in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for max flavor).
Preheat oven to 425°F or heat a grill to medium-high.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Place chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet (for oven) or grill, reserving marinade.
Bake for 20-25 minutes (or grill for 8-10 minutes per side) until internal temp hits 165°F, basting with marinade halfway.
Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 3: Make the Green Sauce

Blend cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
Adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if needed.
Chill until ready to serve, garnishing with cotija cheese if using.

Pro tip: I once forgot to seed the jalapeño, and my green sauce was hotter than a summer sidewalk! Seed the jalapeño for that perfect zesty balance!

Tips for Nailing Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Wanna make this dish next-level? Here are my go-to tricks:

Marinate Longer: Let chicken sit in the marinade for 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Crisp the Skin: Pat chicken dry before marinating for extra crispy skin.
Blend Sauce Smooth: Use a blender for a creamy green sauce texture.
Don’t Overcook: Check chicken at 165°F to keep it juicy.
Taste the Sauce: Adjust lime or salt to make the sauce pop.

Ever wonder why green sauce is so addictive? It’s the fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeño that make this dish a total hit.

Variations to Mix It Up

Bored of the classic? Try these twists to keep things fresh:

Peruvian Chicken Skewers

Cube chicken and thread onto skewers for a fun, grill-friendly version.

Spicy Green Sauce

Add an extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick.

Peruvian Chicken Bowl

Serve shredded chicken over quinoa or rice with sauce and avocado.

Vegan Peruvian Tofu

Swap chicken for tofu, marinate, and grill for a plant-based version.

Storing and Reusing Like a Pro

Got leftovers? You’re in luck! Here’s how to keep that chicken fresh:

Storing: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months; sauce freezes for 1 month.
Reusing: Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes; use leftovers in tacos or salads.

I’ve turned leftover chicken into a killer quesadilla with green sauce, and it was a total game-changer. Keep them separate for that spiced, zesty vibe!

FAQs About Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got you covered. Here’s what folks usually ask:

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yup! Boneless thighs or breasts cook faster, about 15-20 minutes.

Is the green sauce spicy?

It’s mild if you seed the jalapeño; leave seeds for heat.

Can I make this ahead?

Totally! Marinate chicken and prep sauce up to 1 day ahead.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mayo.

What’s a good side for this?

This chicken shines with roasted potatoes, rice, or corn salad. I love it with a simple cucumber salad for freshness.

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Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—Peruvian chicken with green sauce, the ultimate spiced, juicy dish that’s like a trip to Lima in your kitchen. It’s perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or impressing your foodie friends. Whether you’re sticking to the classic or adding your own spin, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Grab your spices, fire up the oven, and get ready for a meal that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. What’s stopping you from cooking this tonight? 🙂