Authentic Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Peruvian cuisine has captivated the world with its bold, complex flavors and unique ingredients. At the heart of this culinary tradition lies the iconic Peruvian chicken, known for its tender, juicy meat and irresistible marinade. Paired with a silky, verdant green sauce, this dish has become a global sensation, delighting taste buds from Lima to Los Angeles.
Whether you’re a seasoned Peruvian food enthusiast or new to this vibrant cuisine, this recipe for Peruvian chicken with green sauce is sure to transport your senses to the bustling streets of Peru. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of garlic, citrus, and spice that makes this dish a true standout.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this Peruvian chicken recipe apart is the incredible depth of flavor achieved through a simple marinade and the creamy, herbal green sauce. The chicken is infused with the tantalizing aromas of garlic, lime, and cumin, creating a mouthwatering contrast to the cool, refreshing sauce. The end result is a meal that’s not only visually stunning but also bursting with complex, craveable flavors in every bite.
Beyond its exceptional taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. The chicken can be grilled, baked, or even air-fried, making it a convenient option for any cooking method. And the green sauce can be used as a dip, a topping, or even a marinade for other proteins, adding a vibrant, flavor-packed element to a variety of dishes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Authentic Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce ❓
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
The beauty of this Peruvian chicken recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of bold citrus, aromatic garlic, and earthy spices creates the vibrant, Latin-inspired flavor profile that has made Peruvian-style recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Authentic Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a large, rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Step 3: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Step 4: While the chicken is baking, prepare the green sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Step 5: Serve the baked Peruvian chicken warm, with the creamy green sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
• Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
• Total time: 80-105 minutes
Compared to traditional Peruvian-style chicken dishes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this recipe saves you valuable time while delivering the same bold, authentic flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 732mg
These Peruvian-inspired chicken dishes provide approximately 84% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Omit the lime juice in the marinade and use a low-carb sweetener, such as erythritol or stevia, instead of the yogurt in the green sauce.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in the green sauce with a dairy-free alternative, such as cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
• Added protein: Serve the Peruvian chicken over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to boost the protein content of the meal.
• Boost vegetables: Roast some diced sweet potatoes or bell peppers alongside the chicken for added nutrition and color.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Peruvian chicken with green sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the Peruvian chicken with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete, light meal.
• Complement the dish with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or a hearty bean soup for a more substantial dinner.
• For a family-style meal, serve the chicken alongside grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Create a Peruvian-inspired platter by adding sides like fried plantains, quinoa tabbouleh, and a vibrant, tropical fruit salad.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undermarinating the chicken: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for maximum impact.
• Blending the green sauce too much: Overprocessing the sauce can result in a thin, watery consistency. Blend just until the ingredients are combined and the desired texture is achieved.
• Skipping the resting time: Allow the baked chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste the green sauce and adjust the seasoning, such as adding more lime juice or salt, to suit your personal preferences.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Peruvian chicken with green sauce recipes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the chicken marinade and green sauce as directed, then place the chicken in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked chicken to cool completely, then place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat the baked chicken, place the pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F (200°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. For the green sauce, simply stir it well and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Peruvian chicken and green sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the green sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator until ready to bake and serve.
Can I substitute other proteins for the chicken?
Yes, the green sauce is delicious with a variety of proteins. Try it with grilled or roasted pork, beef, shrimp, or even tofu. The sauce can also be used as a marinade for any of these proteins.
Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?
With a few simple modifications, this Peruvian chicken recipe can be adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt or cashew cream in the green sauce. To make it low-carb, omit the lime juice in the marinade and use a sugar-free sweetener in the sauce.
Why is my green sauce too thin?
If your green sauce is coming out too thin, it’s likely due to over-blending. Be careful not to process the sauce for too long, as this can break down the herbs and make the texture watery. Blend just until the ingredients are combined and the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! The Peruvian chicken would pair beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or onions. You can also add chopped cucumber, radish, or avocado to the green sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce recipes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a showstopping centerpiece for a special occasion, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, tender chicken, and irresistible sauce.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Peruvian-inspired dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process.
So why not transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Peru tonight? Give this authentic Peruvian chicken with green sauce a try, and get ready to savor the bold, craveable flavors that have made this dish a global sensation.
Print
Authentic Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
- Total Time: 80-105 minutes
Ingredients
• 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large resealable bag or shallow baking dish, combine the chicken, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
• Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a large, rimmed baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Step 3: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Step 4: While the chicken is baking, prepare the green sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Step 5: Serve the baked Peruvian chicken warm, with the creamy green sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the top. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Authentic Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
