Juicy Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe for Zesty Dinners

Succulent peruvian chicken dances with vibrant green sauce, promising a culinary adventure that will awaken your taste buds.

Fragrant herbs and zesty ingredients create a symphony of flavors unique to andean cuisine.

Marinated with care, each tender piece of meat absorbs rich, tangy marinades that speak of tradition.

Crisp skin and juicy meat combine in a dish that tells stories of peru’s diverse culinary landscape.

Bright cilantro and spicy aji peppers bring bold character to this beloved recipe.

Complex yet approachable, this dish invites you to explore new taste sensations with every bite.

Let your kitchen become a gateway to south american gastronomy and savor the magic of this incredible meal.

Different Takes on Peruvian Chicken

• Spicy Caribbean Kick: Replace jalapenos with scotch bonnet peppers in green sauce for intense heat and tropical flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap cilantro with fresh parsley and add mint to green sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter texture.
• Roasted Vegetable Companion: Grill bell peppers, zucchini, and onions alongside chicken, chop and mix into yellow rice for added nutritional value and color.
• Coconut Lime Infusion: Incorporate coconut milk into rice preparation, use coconut oil for grilling, and add fresh lime zest to green sauce for a bright, tropical essence.

Pairing Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the creamy green sauce and complements the herb-packed flavors of Peruvian chicken, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Black Bean Salad: Earthy black beans with diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro provide a cool, protein-rich side that enhances the chicken's spicy marinade and adds textural contrast.
• Match with Peruvian Chicha Morada: Traditional purple corn drink offers a sweet, slightly tangy accompaniment that neutralizes the green sauce's heat and connects to the recipe's cultural roots.
• Complement with Pickled Red Onions: Tangy, bright pickled onions add a sharp acidic punch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and green sauce, bringing vibrant freshness to each bite.

Best Storage for Peruvian Chicken

• Store leftover chicken and green sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken and sauce individually in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Ensure minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165F. Stir green sauce separately to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in the marinade for Peruvian Chicken?

The marinade typically includes garlic, cumin, paprika, vinegar, and olive oil, which create a flavorful and tenderizing mixture that gives the chicken its distinctive Peruvian taste.

• Is the green sauce spicy?

The green sauce can be adjusted for spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos. As prepared in this recipe, it has a mild to moderate heat that complements the chicken without overwhelming the other flavors.

• Can I use a different type of rice for the yellow rice?

While traditional yellow rice works best, you can substitute with long-grain white rice or brown rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and add turmeric for the yellow color if desired.

Zesty Peruvian Chicken with Vibrant Green Sauce

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Dive into a culinary adventure with a marinade that infuses the chicken with bold, zesty Peruvian-inspired flavors, creating a mouthwatering experience that will tantalize taste buds.
• Master Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy the flexibility of grilling or baking the chicken, making this recipe perfect for indoor or outdoor cooking, adapting to your kitchen setup or weather conditions.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant green sauce, and colorful yellow rice, turning an ordinary meal into a spectacular dining event.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft an authentic Peruvian-style meal with minimal kitchen skills, using straightforward techniques and readily available ingredients that come together effortlessly for a delicious dinner solution.

Ingredients Needed for Peruvian Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs the marinade perfectly.

• Cumin, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano: Spices that create a robust and authentic Peruvian flavor profile.
• Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Ingredients that help tenderize and add brightness to the chicken.

• Long Grain White Rice: Classic base that provides a soft and fluffy texture.
• Chicken Stock: Liquid that adds depth and richness to the rice.
• Butter, Onion, Garlic: Aromatics that build a flavorful foundation for the rice.
• Turmeric, Salt: Seasonings that give the rice its signature yellow color and enhanced taste.
• Frozen Peas: Colorful vegetable that adds sweetness and texture to the rice.

• Cilantro, Jalapenos: Fresh herbs and peppers that provide a vibrant and spicy flavor.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a smooth and tangy sauce.
• Garlic, Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Ingredients that balance and brighten the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the green sauce.

Cooking Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Set aside a quarter of the marinade for later basting.

Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with the remaining marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour or preferably overnight to allow deep flavor penetration.

Step 2: Cook Perfectly Charred Chicken

Fire up the grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 450°F. For grilling, cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side.

If baking, place chicken in the oven for approximately 30 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Midway through cooking, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade to enhance moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Fluffy Yellow Rice

Rinse rice and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Add rice and desired seasonings. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Gently fold in peas and let the rice rest off the heat.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Green Sauce

• Fresh cilantro
• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Jalapenos
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Lime juice

Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste preferences.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange yellow rice on serving plates. Place the beautifully cooked chicken on top.

Generously drizzle the vibrant green sauce over the chicken. Serve immediately and savor the incredible Peruvian-inspired flavors.

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Peruvian Chicken

• Use fresh ingredients and don't rush the marinating process – letting chicken sit overnight intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the meat.
• Pat chicken dry before grilling to achieve a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming, which can make meat soggy.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy and safe-to-eat protein.
• Adjust green sauce thickness by adding more or less liquid – sour cream creates a creamy base while lime juice adds brightness.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy and separated grains with better overall texture.

Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Peruvian chicken with green sauce brings zesty South American flavors to your dinner table, blending bold herbs and spices in a mouthwatering dish. Creamy cilantro sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create a delightful culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.52 pounds (690 grams) chicken thighs or breasts

Green Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 whole jalapeno chiles, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice

Marinade & Seasoning Ingredients:

• 23 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons oil of choice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Yellow Rice Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 23 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen peas

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Instructions

1. Create a zesty marinade by combining all specified ingredients in a mixing vessel. Separate 1/4 of the mixture for later basting, then thoroughly coat the chicken pieces. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, preferably overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
2. Heat grill to medium-high (around 400-450F) or preheat oven to 450F. Grill chicken 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring even browning and caramelization. Alternatively, bake for approximately 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Brush reserved marinade midway through cooking process to enhance moisture and flavor.
3. Prepare yellow rice by initially rinsing and soaking grains for 10-15 minutes. In a separate saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in butter until translucent. Incorporate rice and selected seasonings, then pour chicken stock. Bring liquid to rapid boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Gently fold in green peas, then allow to rest off direct heat for additional steaming.
4. Craft vibrant green sauce by blending fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lime juice until achieving smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
5. Assemble dish by spreading yellow rice as foundation, positioning grilled chicken atop rice, then generously drizzling green sauce over entire plate. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and flavors are most pronounced.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor penetration, ideally 4-8 hours or overnight.
• Adjust green sauce heat by removing jalapeno seeds or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting mayonnaise and sour cream with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 522 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg