Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce That’s Bold, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Introduction

Peruvian chicken with green sauce is a dish that immediately stands out for its vibrant flavors and irresistible contrast between savory, spiced chicken and a creamy, herb-forward sauce. It is inspired by the famous Peruvian-style roasted chicken, known for its deeply seasoned exterior and juicy interior. I first made this dish when I wanted something different from typical roasted or grilled chicken, and the result was unforgettable.

The chicken is marinated with warm spices, garlic, and citrus, creating layers of flavor that penetrate deeply into the meat. What truly elevates the dish, however, is the green sauce. Creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy, it adds freshness and richness in every bite. Together, they create a balanced meal that feels exciting yet comforting. This recipe is approachable, adaptable, and impressive enough to serve for guests while still being practical for everyday cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peruvian chicken is juicy, well-seasoned, and full of bold flavor. The green sauce adds brightness and creaminess that perfectly balances the spices. The recipe is simple to prepare, flexible in cooking method, and consistently delivers restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or whole chicken pieces are ideal for this dish. They remain juicy and absorb the marinade exceptionally well.

Garlic adds depth and savory warmth to the marinade, forming the backbone of the chicken’s flavor.

Lime juice provides acidity and brightness, helping tenderize the chicken and balance the spices.

Olive oil helps distribute the marinade evenly and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.

Ground cumin adds earthy warmth and depth, a signature flavor in this dish.

Smoked paprika contributes color and a subtle smoky note that enhances the roasted flavor.

Oregano adds herbal balance and complements the citrus and garlic.

Salt enhances all the flavors and ensures the chicken is well seasoned throughout.

Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.

Fresh cilantro forms the base of the green sauce, providing freshness and vibrant color.

Jalapeño adds heat to the sauce. The seeds can be removed for a milder version.

Mayonnaise creates a creamy, rich texture for the sauce.

Sour cream adds tang and smoothness, balancing the herbs and spice.

Garlic enhances the sauce with savory depth.

Lime juice brightens the sauce and ties it back to the chicken marinade.

Salt adjusts and sharpens the final flavor of the sauce.

Directions

Begin by combining garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well to form a marinade.

Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well covered. Allow it to marinate for at least thirty minutes, or longer if time allows.

Preheat the oven or grill. Cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked through, turning as needed to ensure even browning.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the green sauce by blending cilantro, jalapeño, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning or heat as needed.

Serve the chicken hot with generous spoonfuls of green sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Equipment needed

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people. Preparation takes about fifteen minutes, marinating time is thirty minutes, and cooking time is approximately forty minutes. Total time is around one hour and twenty-five minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the green sauce separately. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or skillet, and serve the sauce cold or at room temperature.

Variations and Customizations

Peruvian chicken with green sauce is highly adaptable. You can roast a whole spatchcocked chicken for a more traditional presentation or use boneless chicken breasts for a quicker option, though thighs remain juicier.

For extra smokiness, grill the chicken instead of roasting it. The char pairs beautifully with the spices and citrus marinade.

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the jalapeño or substitute it with a small amount of green bell pepper. I tested this version and found it still flavorful while being more approachable.

For a dairy-free sauce, replace the sour cream with additional mayonnaise or a plant-based alternative. The texture remains smooth and creamy.

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad, making it easy to turn into a complete meal.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish provides lean protein from chicken along with healthy fats from olive oil and the sauce. The herbs and citrus contribute freshness and balance, making it a well-rounded meal when paired with vegetables or grains.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but be careful not to overcook them.

Is the green sauce spicy?

It has mild heat, which can be adjusted easily.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating improves flavor, but short marinating still works.

Can I grill the chicken?

Yes, grilling adds excellent smoky flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?

Rice, potatoes, or grilled vegetables work well.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Freezing cooked chicken is possible, but the sauce should not be frozen.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Reduce lime juice or add more mayonnaise.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, especially with a mild sauce.

Can I use dried cilantro?

Fresh cilantro is strongly recommended for the sauce.

Conclusion

Peruvian chicken with green sauce is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that delivers both comfort and excitement. The deeply seasoned chicken paired with the creamy, herbaceous sauce creates a memorable meal that feels special without being complicated. Whether served for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is a reliable way to bring bold, fresh flavors to the table.

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