Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

When I first tried my hand at making Peruvian chicken, I was captivated by the vibrant flavors and the mouthwatering aroma that engulfed my kitchen. This Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, not just for its irresistible taste but for the ease of preparation. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively weekend gathering, this dish showcases the rich culinary heritage of Peru, emphasizing the fusion of bold spices with fresh ingredients. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!

What Makes This Recipe Special

If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you. The combination of bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, marinated to perfection, ensures that every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Plus, the creamy green sauce adds a refreshing twist, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

“This chicken was a game changer! So flavorful and the sauce was just the right amount of kick. My family keeps asking for it!” — Happy Cook

Not only is this recipe unbelievably tasty, but it’s also budget-friendly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. It avoids the complexity that often comes with gourmet recipes while still offering a restaurant-worthy dish that everyone will love.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making the Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is straightforward and can be broken down into a few easy steps. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Marinate the chicken to infuse it with flavor.
2. Preheat your oven and prepare for roasting.
3. Roast the chicken until golden and crispy.
4. While it’s roasting, whip up the creamy green sauce.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

With just a little planning, you can create this sensational meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Need

To make this delicious recipe, gather the following 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

If you’re looking to make adjustments, consider swapping out the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce or using different herbs to customize the green sauce’s taste.

Step-by-Step Directions

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, coating it thoroughly. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to enhance flavor.

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.

3. Roast the Chicken: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin turns golden and crispy. For an extra touch, broil for the last 3 minutes to add char.

4. Make the Creamy Green Sauce: While the chicken roasts, blend mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Serve and Savor: Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with a generous drizzle of the creamy green sauce. Enjoy paired with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Serving

To take your meal to the next level, consider serving this flavorful chicken with side dishes that complement its rich taste. Roasted sweet potatoes or a vibrant quinoa salad pair beautifully and add a colorful touch to your plate. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be refreshing against the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their deliciousness. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to keep the creamy sauce separate for best results.

Pro Chef Tips

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 4 hours is good, letting the chicken marinate overnight makes a big difference in flavor.
• Crispy Skin: Elevating the chicken on a wire rack during roasting allows air to circulate and keeps the skin crispy.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat in the sauce, be sure to remove all the seeds from the jalapeños, or adjust the quantity to suit your taste.

Creative Twists

Want to give this recipe a twist? Try adding some spices into the creamy sauce, such as cayenne pepper or a dash of lime zest to enhance the flavor profile. For a unique presentation, serve the chicken with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado atop the green sauce.

Your Questions Answered

• What is the prep time for this recipe?
  The chicken needs at least 4 hours to marinate, but prep time outside of that is about 15 minutes.

• Can I use boneless chicken?
  Yes! Boneless cuts will cook faster, so adjust roasting time to about 30-35 minutes.

• How spicy is the creamy green sauce?
  The heat level depends on whether you leave the jalapeño seeds in or remove them. Adjust according to your preference!

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering a dish that boasts incredible flavors and will surely become a staple in your recipe repertoire!

Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

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• Total Time: 4 hours 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

This vibrant Peruvian chicken recipe, marinated for incredible flavor and served with a creamy green sauce, is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

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, coating it thoroughly. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
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.
3. Roast the Chicken: Bake for 40-45 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Broil for 3 minutes to add char.
4. Make the Creamy Green Sauce: Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve and Savor: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with the creamy green sauce. Pair with roasted potatoes, rice, or a salad.

Notes

For a lighter sauce, swap mayo for Greek yogurt. For more spice, leave jalapeño seeds in.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Peruvian chicken, creamy green sauce, easy dinner recipe, marinated chicken