Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Peruvian chicken is a delicious dish that is bursting with flavors. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, while the creamy green sauce adds a wonderful kick. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s quite easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both new and experienced cooks.

How to Make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Creamy Green Sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours—or even better, overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the rack. This allows air to circulate and helps the skin get crispy.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

Bake the chicken for 40–45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Optionally, broil for the last 3 minutes to add a little extra char and crunch.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Green Sauce

While the chicken roasts, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot with a generous drizzle—or bowl—of the creamy green sauce on the side. Pair it with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

This succulent chicken is ideal for family-style meals. Serve it on a large platter with the creamy green sauce in a bowl for dipping. You can also add sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad to make a complete meal.

How to Store Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. The creamy green sauce should also be stored in a separate container. You can keep it in the fridge for about a week. To reheat the chicken, warm it in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through.

Tips to Make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

  1. Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
  2. Crispy Skin: Use a wire rack for crispier skin when roasting.
  3. Adjust Heat: You can make the green sauce milder by using fewer jalapeños or removing all the seeds.

Variation

You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks if you prefer a leaner option. Additionally, for a smoky flavor, try adding a little chipotle powder to the marinade.

FAQs

1. Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?

Yes! Grilling is a great option. Just follow the same marinating steps and grill until cooked through.

2. Is the creamy green sauce spicy?

The sauce can be spicy depending on how many jalapeños you use. Remove the seeds for less heat.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

This Peruvian chicken dish features marinated, tender chicken served with a flavorful creamy green sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Creamy Green Sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 2 pieces jalapeños, seeds removed Adjust for heat preference
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly.
  3. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours—or even better, overnight.
Preheat and Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
  3. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the rack.
Roast the Chicken
  1. Bake the chicken for 40–45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  2. Optionally, broil for the last 3 minutes to add a little extra char and crunch.
Make the Creamy Green Sauce
  1. While the chicken roasts, prepare the sauce.
  2. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
  3. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as desired.
Serve and Savor
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  2. Serve it hot with a generous drizzle—or bowl—of the creamy green sauce on the side.
  3. Pair it with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Marinate longer for the best flavor and achieve crispy skin using a wire rack. Adjust the heat of the sauce to your liking by modifying the jalapeños.

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