Description
This Peruvian Chicken Recipe is bursting with bold flavors, featuring a zesty marinade with garlic, lime, and spices, plus a creamy, slightly spicy green sauce. Whether grilled or roasted, this juicy chicken dish is an easy way to bring authentic Peruvian cuisine to your table. Perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Black pepper (to taste)
For the Green Sauce:
- 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal and massage to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor).
Prepare the Green Sauce:
- Blend jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending.
- Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until serving.
Cook the Chicken:
Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high (350°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
- Grill for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Arrange chicken in a roasting pan and add 1 cup water.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Tent with foil and cook for another 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Make it spicier by keeping jalapeño seeds or adding cayenne pepper.
- Use different cuts like drumsticks or bone-in thighs but adjust cooking times.
- Air fry at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make it dairy-free by using coconut yogurt or omitting yogurt.
- Swap cilantro for parsley if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Roasting
- Cuisine: Peruvian
