Zesty Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce: A Flavor Fiesta!

Peruvian cuisine boasts incredible flavor combinations that tantalize the taste buds with vibrant and bold culinary traditions.

Roasted chicken, a beloved staple in South American cooking, finds its most spectacular expression in this iconic Peruvian dish.

The green sauce, known locally as ají verde, transforms a simple roasted chicken into a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Peruvian gastronomy.

Herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients come together to create a sauce that is simultaneously creamy, zesty, and deeply aromatic.

Restaurants and home cooks across Peru have perfected this recipe, making it a celebrated national favorite that reflects the country’s rich agricultural bounty.

The magic of this dish lies in its harmonious blend of marinated chicken and the bright, herbaceous sauce that elevates every single bite.

Step-By-Step Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• White vinegar
• Fresh lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage marinade thoroughly into chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate minimum one hour or ideally overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare Sizzling Chicken Roast

Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange chicken on rimmed baking sheet with skin facing upward. Roast until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F, approximately 40-50 minutes. Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before carving.

Step 3: Whip Up Vibrant Green Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Jalapeño peppers
• Lime juice
• Grated Parmesan
• Garlic cloves
• Salt
• Olive oil
• White vinegar

Blend until silky smooth and bright green.

Step 4: Plate and Savor

Slice roasted chicken and generously drizzle with green sauce. Pair with fluffy rice, crispy roasted potatoes, or garden-fresh salad. Enjoy your Peruvian culinary adventure!

Helpful Tips For Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak overnight to allow spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat, creating more intense flavor profiles.
• Temperature Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while ensuring safe consumption.
• Customize Green Sauce Heat: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal spice tolerance; remove seeds for milder sauce or add extra for more kick.
• Substitute Smartly: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives to make the recipe more inclusive.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Marinate chicken and prepare green sauce a day before serving to enhance flavors and reduce day-of cooking stress.

How To Store Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from green sauce to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Green sauce can be frozen separately in a sealed container.
• Reheat Oven: Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Drizzle a little olive oil to retain moisture.
• Reheat Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

What Goes Well With Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich chicken's spiciness, balancing the green sauce's tangy cilantro notes perfectly.
• Match Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with cucumber and lime vinaigrette to complement the chicken's robust marinade and provide refreshing contrast.
• Select Herbal Beverage Accent: Craft a cilantro-mint mojito that mirrors the green sauce's herbaceous profile, delivering a cool and complementary drinking experience.
• Recommend Creamy Starch Companion: Serve with garlic-infused quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes, whose subtle sweetness harmonizes with the chicken's savory marinade and spicy undertones.

Tasty Variations Of Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt and cashew cream in the green sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add extra jalapeños or substitute with habanero peppers for those who love intense heat in the green sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip rice and serve chicken with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining flavor profile.

Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce FAQ Guide

• What makes Peruvian chicken different from other roasted chicken recipes?

Peruvian chicken uses a specific blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and oregano, creating a unique marinade that infuses deep, bold flavors into the meat before roasting.

• Is the green sauce spicy?

The green sauce can be adjusted for spice level by controlling the amount of jalapeños. You can remove seeds for less heat or add more for extra kick.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust cooking time to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the meat doesn’t dry out.

• What's the purpose of marinating the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, add flavor deep into the chicken, and helps create a more juicy and flavorful final dish by allowing spices to penetrate the meat before cooking.

Why Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Is Worth Making

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: Unbelievably simple Peruvian chicken recipe packed with zesty goodness.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Marinades everything in one bowl, requiring just 10 minutes of active cooking time.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, and meal prep with universal appeal.
• Customizable Health Hack: Adaptable protein option with lean chicken and creamy green sauce that elevates any side dish.

What You Need For Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce

• Chicken: Star of the dish, tender meat that absorbs the marinade's rich flavors. Best with bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for maximum juiciness.

• Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Lime Juice: Combination creates a tangy and flavorful liquid that tenderizes and seasons the chicken. White vinegar works best.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic punch to the marinade. Fresh garlic cloves recommended.
• Paprika, Cumin, Oregano: Signature Peruvian spice blend that provides warm, earthy undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that provides rich texture and tanginess. Full-fat versions recommended.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that gives green sauce its vibrant color and distinctive flavor. Fresh cilantro preferred over dried.
• Jalapeños: Adds spicy kick to the sauce. Remove seeds for milder heat.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances the creamy sauce.
• Parmesan: Adds subtle salty and umami notes to the green sauce.
• Garlic: Provides additional depth and sharpness.
• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Helps blend and emulsify sauce ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the green sauce.

Zesty Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce delivers a bold South American culinary adventure bursting with zesty cilantro and tangy jalapeño flavors. Rich marinade and creamy sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs/1.8 kg), butterflied (or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs)

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Green Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 small bunch cilantro (about 1 cup, packed)
• 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by whisking together zesty lime juice, aromatic garlic, robust soy sauce, earthy cumin, and vibrant spices until thoroughly combined.
2. Massage the marinade meticulously into every crevice of the chicken, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration. Refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing ingredients to harmonize and intensify.
3. Ignite the oven to a scorching 425°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat circulation.
4. Transfer the marinated chicken to a spacious baking sheet, positioning it skin-side upward to encourage crisp, golden caramelization.
5. Roast the chicken with precision, monitoring its internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F. The exterior should transform into a crackling, bronzed masterpiece.
6. While the chicken roasts, prepare the vibrant green sauce by combining fresh cilantro, tangy jalapeños, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty lime in a high-powered blender.
7. Pulse the sauce ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency that celebrates the herbaceous and spicy elements.
8. Allow the roasted chicken to rest momentarily, permitting juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
9. Carve the chicken into elegant slices, presenting alongside the verdant sauce for a stunning culinary presentation.
10. Accompany the dish with complementary sides like fluffy rice or crisp roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Ensure chicken skin is completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness and golden-brown color.
• Use fresh cilantro and jalapeños in the green sauce for a vibrant, zesty flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust green sauce heat level by removing jalapeño seeds or using milder peppers

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg