Description
This Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce recipe is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a zesty, herbaceous sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or bone-in thighs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the green sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jalapeño (seeded for mild, keep seeds for heat)
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the green sauce: Combine cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, jalapeño, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Add salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the chicken: Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or bake on a lined sheet for 25–30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Drizzle chicken with green sauce and serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- For a dairy-free version, use all mayo in the sauce.
- You can also roast the chicken on a sheet pan for easier cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg