Embark on a culinary adventure right from your kitchen with this sensational recipe for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, famously known as Aji Verde. This dish isn't just a meal; it's an explosion of vibrant, fresh, and savory flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Peru. Juicy, tender chicken, perfectly marinated and cooked, meets a bright, creamy, and zesty green sauce that you'll want to drizzle over everything!
The Magic of Green Sauce Chicken
There's something truly special about the combination of perfectly seasoned chicken and a herbaceous, slightly spicy sauce. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into an extraordinary weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. The beauty lies in its balance: the rich, savory notes of the chicken are uplifted and brightened by the fresh, tangy kick of the Aji Verde.
Aji Verde: The Star of the Show
Let's talk about the green sauce. Aji Verde is a cornerstone of Peruvian cuisine, and for good reason! It’s a velvety smooth blend of fresh cilantro, lively jalapeños, pungent garlic, bright lime juice, and a creamy base of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This sauce is a symphony of flavors – herbaceous, refreshing, and just the right amount of spicy to awaken your palate. It's so addictive, you might find yourself making extra just for dipping or spreading on sandwiches!
Perfectly Marinated Chicken
Our chicken isn't just any chicken. It's infused with a robust marinade that features lime juice for tenderizing, and a blend of aromatic spices like garlic, cumin, paprika, and oregano. The star of the marinade, however, is the Aji Amarillo paste, which lends a unique fruity heat and beautiful golden hue, characteristic of authentic Peruvian flavors. This ensures every bite of chicken is bursting with deep, savory goodness.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
Beyond its incredible taste, this Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce recipe offers several compelling reasons to make it your next culinary project:
- Authentic Flavor Profile: Experience genuine Peruvian tastes with readily available ingredients.
- Effortlessly Impressive: It looks and tastes gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Lean protein from the chicken combined with fresh herbs and vegetables makes for a wholesome and filling meal.
- Versatile Dining: Enjoy it as a standalone main course, sliced into salads, or tucked into wraps.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Fluffy White Rice: A classic choice to soak up every drop of that delicious green sauce.
- Crispy Potatoes: Golden, roasted, or even fried potatoes offer a comforting texture contrast. Consider our recipe for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges for an extra flavorful side.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing balance.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Don't skimp on marinating time. At least 30 minutes is good, but 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator will yield the most tender and flavorful chicken.
- Balance Your Heat: When preparing the Aji Verde, taste as you go! Start with one jalapeño and add more if you desire extra spice. Removing the seeds and membranes greatly reduces the heat.
- Rest Your Chicken: Once cooked, always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring incredibly moist and tender results.
- Consider Your Cook Method: While grilling offers a fantastic smoky char, you can also bake or pan-sear the chicken to perfection.
- Invest in Good Tools: A reliable grill can make all the difference for perfectly cooked chicken. My personal choice is always My Favorite Grill.
Conclusion
This Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde) recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly unforgettable dining experience. It's fresh, bold, creamy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. We hope this dish becomes a cherished addition to your recipe collection!
What are your favorite ways to enjoy chicken? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Happy cooking!
FAQs
What is Aji Verde sauce?
Aji Verde is a traditional Peruvian green sauce, typically made with fresh cilantro, jalapeu00f1os, garlic, lime juice, and a creamy base like mayonnaise and sometimes Greek yogurt. It's known for its bright, zesty, and subtly spicy flavor.
Can I adjust the spice level of the green sauce?
Absolutely! The heat in Aji Verde primarily comes from the jalapeu00f1os. For a milder sauce, remove all seeds and membranes from the jalapeu00f1os. For more heat, leave some or all seeds in, or even add a touch of serrano pepper.
What are common side dishes to serve with Peruvian Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with classic Peruvian accompaniments such as fluffy white rice, roasted potatoes (especially crispy ones), or a simple fresh green salad. Grilled vegetables like corn on the cob or bell peppers also make excellent additions.
Is Aji Amarillo paste necessary for the chicken marinade?
Aji Amarillo paste provides an authentic fruity heat and distinct color to the Peruvian chicken marinade. While highly recommended for genuine flavor, if unavailable, you can substitute with a small amount of turmeric for color and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Peruvian Chicken with Zesty Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in Peruvian spices and served with a creamy, zesty, and subtly spicy Aji Verde green sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
2 tablespoons aji amarillo paste
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Aji Verde Sauce:
1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1-2 jalapeños, stemmed (seeds removed for milder sauce)
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade. In a medium bowl, combine the aji amarillo paste, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Make the Aji Verde Sauce. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the green sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the packed cilantro, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, jalapeños (start with one and add more to taste, adjusting for heat by removing seeds), 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken. Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, arrange chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices. Serve the sliced Peruvian chicken generously topped with the vibrant Aji Verde green sauce.
Notes
For an extra crispy finish, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning. The Aji Verde sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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