why you will love this recipe

Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing is a dish bursting with flavor, making it easy to understand why it’s a favorite among many. This recipe combines tender marinated chicken thighs with a fresh and zesty dressing that elevates the taste. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend family gatherings, ensuring that every meal is both delicious and satisfying. The ingredients are straightforward, and the preparation is simple, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

how to make Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing

Step-by-step overview

Making this mouthwatering dish involves a few simple steps. First, you will marinate the chicken thighs to infuse them with rich flavors. While the chicken is marinating, you prepare the vibrant Green Goddess Dressing, which brings a fresh twist to the meal. Finally, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, flavorful bites.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. chicken thighs (8 boneless skinless thighs, Smart Chicken)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic (lightly crushed)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 cup 0% Greek yogurt
¼ cup lime juice (fresh squeezed)
¼ cup basil (lightly packed)
¼ cup Italian parsley (lightly packed)
1 jalapeno (remove seeds and veins)
2-3 garlic cloves
kosher salt (to taste)
2-3 tablespoons water (based on preferred thickness)

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Make the Green Goddess Dressing: In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, basil, parsley, jalapeno, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth, adjusting the thickness with water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

how to serve Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing

Serve these juicy grilled thighs on a bed of fresh greens or alongside grilled vegetables. Drizzle generously with the Green Goddess Dressing for a refreshing complement. You could also pair this dish with rice or quinoa for a complete meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.

how to store Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing

Leftover grilled chicken thighs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Green Goddess Dressing can also be kept in the fridge for about a week. Make sure to store each separately to maintain freshness.

tips to make Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing

If you’re short on time, marinating for just 30 minutes will still add flavor.
Feel free to add more herbs to the dressing for extra freshness.
For a spicy kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeno or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

variation

For a lighter option, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so watch them closely on the grill.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of oil for the marinade?

Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any neutral oil you prefer.

What can I serve with grilled chicken and Green Goddess Dressing?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled veggies, rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Can I freeze leftover chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs. Just ensure they are in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Peruvian Inspired Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Goddess Dressing

A flavorful dish featuring marinated grilled chicken thighs paired with a fresh Green Goddess Dressing, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 16

Total Time 31

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Peruvian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

2 lbs chicken thighs (8 boneless skinless thighs, Smart Chicken)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
2 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic (lightly crushed)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

For the Green Goddess Dressing

1 cup 0% Greek yogurt
1/4 cup lime juice (fresh squeezed)
1/4 cup basil (lightly packed)
1/4 cup Italian parsley (lightly packed)
1 jalapeno (remove seeds and veins)
2-3 cloves garlic
kosher salt (to taste)
2-3 tablespoons water (based on preferred thickness)

Method

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Make the Green Goddess Dressing

In a blender, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, basil, parsley, jalapeno, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth, adjusting the thickness with water if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).