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Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

A succulent chicken dish marinated in zesty spices and served with a refreshing creamy green sauce, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 12 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade
  • 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
  • 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Creamy Green Sauce
  • 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
  • 2 cloves garlic (peeled, for green sauce)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed, for green sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for green sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for green sauce)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper to a blender. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth with no garlic chunks visible.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage gently to ensure all pieces are coated. Refrigerate for 12 hours (or between 8 to 24 hours), flipping the bag halfway through for even marinating.
  3. To make the green sauce, combine jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a clean blender. Blend until smooth, about 45 seconds. With the motor running on low, slowly drizzle in olive oil through the top opening. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate.
Cooking
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid until glossy but not dripping. Place the chicken on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving it.
  2. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs and cook another 5-6 minutes with the lid closed. Use a digital thermometer to verify that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before serving with the green sauce.
  3. Alternative oven method: Preheat your oven to 500°F. Place the chicken in a 13x9-inch roasting pan with 1 cup water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Notes

Serve this dish hot garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Pair with rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.