Peruvian Chicken Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy dinner that’s bursting with vibrant flavor, this Full Recipe for Peruvian Chicken is truly a gem. Imagine succulent, deeply seasoned chicken paired with a creamy, spicy green sauce that’s as wow-worthy as any restaurant dish. Every bite is a bold celebration of zesty citrus, smoky spices, and fresh herbs—impressively simple, yet spectacular enough for a special meal. Trust me, you’ll crave this Full Recipe again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here is in a handful of simple, bold ingredients—each one plays a crucial role! From juicy chicken thighs to a zippy, herby sauce, everything works together to create layers of irresistible flavor and delicious color. Here’s what you’ll need for this Full Recipe:

• Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all the marinade flavor beautifully.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic punch that is totally essential for both the marinade and green sauce.
• Soy sauce: Gives the chicken deep umami and a touch of salty complexity.
• Lime juice: Brightens everything up with a little citrus tang—the flavor lifter!
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the marinade cling and adds richness to both the chicken and the sauce.
• Cumin: Lends earthy, warm notes that scream Peruvian comfort food.
• Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness and lovely color to the marinade.
• Dried oregano: For a touch of herbal depth that rounds out the flavors.
• Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and fragrance—don’t skip it!
• Jalapeños: Seeded to control heat, these give the green sauce its unmistakable kick.
• Fresh cilantro leaves: The star of the sauce, for vibrant green color and refreshing flavor.
• Green onions: Only the green parts for a subtle, springy onion note in the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Makes the green sauce creamy and lush—plus, it balances the spice!
• Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy layer and lightens up the sauce so it’s never heavy.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for round, well-seasoned flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Full Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This first step is where all the magic begins! Puree the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper in a blender until you have a fragrant, silky marinade. Transfer the chicken to a large zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, then gently massage everything so the chicken gets well coated. Now, pop it in the fridge and let it rest for 8 to 24 hours—the longer, the more lip-smacking flavor seeps in!

Step 2: Prepare the Green Sauce for Full Recipe

You’ll want to dip everything in this! In your blender, combine the jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and vividly green. With the blender on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is creamy and emulsified. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill until you’re ready to serve alongside the Full Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Time to cook up that fabulously marinated chicken. You can go two ways: On the grill, preheat to medium-high (about 350°F), then add the chicken. Close the lid and cook for 5–6 minutes, then flip and grill for another 5–6 minutes—just until the internal temp hits 165°F and you see a gorgeous golden crust. Prefer the oven? Place the chicken in a roasting pan, add a cup of water to keep it juicy, and bake at 500°F for 30 minutes uncovered. Then tent with foil and bake 15 minutes more, until perfectly cooked. Both ways, you’ll end up with irresistible, juicy chicken ready for the star green sauce!

How to Serve Full Recipe

Garnishes

Generosity is key with the sauce—drizzle or dollop it over the sliced chicken, and don’t hold back! Finish with a scatter of fresh cilantro, some extra lime wedges, or even thinly sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and fragrant refreshment. If you want to impress, a little sprinkle of flaky salt just before serving is chef-approved.

Side Dishes

This Full Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think fluffy steamed rice, crispy roasted potatoes, or a quick cucumber and tomato salad for a cool, fresh contrast. Warm flatbreads or toasty rolls are also perfect for scooping up every bit of that zippy green sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild! Try slicing the chicken and serving it atop a vibrant salad, nestle pieces into a bowl with quinoa and charred veggies, or wrap everything—sauce included—into soft tortillas for Peruvian-inspired tacos. The Full Recipe adapts easily and makes every meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), simply store the chicken and green sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will retain its flavor and juiciness for up to 4 days—making weekday lunches or next-day dinners super easy with this Full Recipe.

Freezing

The marinated, uncooked chicken freezes beautifully. Place the chicken and marinade together in a freezer bag for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Cooked chicken can also be frozen—slice or shred it first for quicker reheating. The green sauce, though, is best made fresh and does not freeze well due to the dairy content.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in the oven at 325°F until hot, or use a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, if possible, as it can dry out the meat. A splash of water in the pan helps restore moisture, bringing your Full Recipe back to life.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well—just watch the cook time, as they tend to be leaner and can dry out if overcooked. Slice into thinner cutlets for even marinating and juicier results.

Is the green sauce very spicy?

The green sauce has a spirited kick, but it’s easy to control. Seed your jalapeños for milder heat, or leave a few seeds in if you like things more fiery. You can always add more yogurt or mayo to mellow things out.

What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

A grill pan on the stovetop works wonders. Just heat it well, add the chicken, and cook as directed. You’ll still get a lovely char and all the flavor of the Full Recipe indoors!

How far ahead can I make the green sauce?

You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making it even more irresistible poured over the Full Recipe the next day.

Can I make the Full Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap in dairy-free plain yogurt and mayonnaise in the sauce. The punchy flavors and creamy texture will stay just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll gather your ingredients and dive into this Full Recipe soon—it’s one of those dishes that transforms an ordinary weeknight or special gathering into something truly memorable. Let your taste buds travel, and enjoy every bite of this Peruvian classic at home. Happy cooking!

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