If you’re looking to elevate your dinner routine with a dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. This vibrant meal features succulent grilled chicken marinated in a blend of spices and served with a creamy, zesty green sauce that packs a punch. The combination of juicy chicken and the herbaceous sauce creates a delightful contrast that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, while the green sauce adds a refreshing kick.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it with rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients, this dish is a nutritious choice for any dinner table.
Ingredients List
To prepare Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cleaned and spatchcocked (or cut into quarters)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 limes
For the Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Coat Chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Make the Green Sauce
- Blend Sauce Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill, skin-side down. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, then flip and grill for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it with the creamy green sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu marinated in the same spices.
- Spicier Sauce: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce for an extra kick.
- Different Proteins: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken for quicker cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken and green sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. The green sauce can be served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes! Chicken breasts can be marinated and grilled for a quicker meal. Adjust cooking time to avoid drying them out.
What if I can’t find fresh cilantro?
You can substitute with parsley for a different flavor, though it won’t have the same distinct taste as cilantro.
Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The green sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
What should I serve with Peruvian Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Experience the vibrant flavors of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce! This dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a delightful taste that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for any occasion, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.
We’d love to hear how your Peruvian chicken turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Print
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce: A Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce features juicy grilled chicken marinated in bold spices and served with a creamy, zesty, cilantro-jalapeño sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds), cleaned and spatchcocked or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 2 limes
- For the Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Rub all over the chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
- Make the Green Sauce: Blend cilantro, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken skin-side down for 15-20 minutes, flip, and grill another 15-20 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with the green sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Notes
For a vegetarian twist, marinate portobello mushrooms or tofu. Add extra jalapeños for more heat. Store leftovers separately and reheat chicken in the oven; sauce can be served cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: peruvian chicken, green sauce, grilled chicken, spicy sauce, cilantro sauce, latin recipes
