Zesty Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe: Flavorful Joy!

Succulent chicken paired with zesty green sauce captures the essence of peru’s culinary magic.

The beloved peruvian chicken green sauce brings bold, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly in this mouthwatering dish that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Each bite reveals layers of complex, bright seasonings that transport you straight to the heart of South American cuisine.

The verdant sauce transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal bursting with freshness.

Robust and creamy, this sauce elevates simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner.

You’ll be amazed how a few key ingredients can create such a spectacular culinary masterpiece.

Tools to Bring Bold Peruvian Flavor Home

• Large Bowl: For mixing marinade and coating chicken.
• Resealable Bag: Alternative to bowl for marinating chicken.
• Small Bowl: For preparing marinade ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups: For precise liquid ingredient quantities.
• Whisk or Spoon: To mix marinade ingredients thoroughly.
• Sharp Knife: For mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Safe surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.

How to Cook Juicy Peruvian Chicken Step-by-Step

• Massage Chicken with Flavor Blend

Gently rub your chicken with a zesty mix of tangy and aromatic seasonings, ensuring every inch gets coated with the delicious marinade. Work those spices into the meat, getting under the skin to lock in maximum taste.

• Allow Chicken to Soak Up Goodness

Let your chicken chill and absorb all those incredible flavors by tucking it into the refrigerator. Give it plenty of time – several hours or overnight works best – so the meat becomes incredibly tender and packed with mouthwatering Peruvian-inspired seasoning.

• Prepare for Cooking

Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. This helps the meat come to room temperature and ensures more even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve a beautifully crispy exterior when you’re ready to cook.

• Cook to Perfection

Grill, roast, or bake your chicken until it reaches a golden-brown color and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep all those incredible juices locked inside, creating a supremely succulent main dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Grilling, Roasting, and Sauce Swaps

• Tender Meat Trick: Massage the marinade gently under the chicken skin to help spices penetrate deeper and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more intense and rich flavor profiles.
• Grill Master Option: For extra smoky notes, cook the chicken on a charcoal or gas grill instead of roasting, turning occasionally to prevent burning.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting marinade and cooking times accordingly.
• Sauce Swap Solution: If green sauce ingredients are hard to find, create a simplified version using available herbs like parsley, cilantro, and jalapeños for similar zesty results.

Best Ways to Serve with Aji Verde

• Fiesta Flavor Platter: Serve this zesty Peruvian chicken alongside fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious green sauce and capture every bit of flavor.
• Colorful Companion Sides: Pair with roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the bold, tangy chicken and add vibrant colors to your plate.
• Fresh Green Sauce Dipping: Use the signature green sauce as a versatile condiment for drizzling over the chicken, dipping roasted vegetables, or spreading on warm tortillas for extra excitement.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced red onions, and a wedge of lime to enhance the dish's authentic Peruvian style and add a bright, fresh finish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky coating for even cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Adds rich umami depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
• White Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Lime Juice: Introduces zesty citrus notes and helps tenderize the meat.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic flavor and traditional Peruvian seasoning.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy undertones classic in South American cuisine.
• Paprika: Offers gentle smokiness and beautiful reddish color.
• Oregano: Contributes herbal, slightly peppery undertones.
• Annatto: Provides vibrant orange-red color and subtle peppery taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall flavor profile.

• Chicken: Select fresh, high-quality whole chicken or bone-in pieces for maximum flavor retention.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Adds bright, fresh finishing touch to complement the rich marinade.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

• Quick Chill Strategy: Store marinated chicken in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal flavor and food safety.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Keep leftover chicken in airtight containers, which help retain moisture and prevent flavor loss for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to store frozen chicken for 2-3 months without quality degradation.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.

Vibrant Peruvian Chicken With Green Sauce Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Peruvian chicken with green sauce blends zesty cilantro, creamy jalapeños, and tender roasted poultry. Marinade infuses bold flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 whole chicken (4.5 lbs or 2 kg)
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps white vinegar
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsps ground cumin
• 2 tsps smoked paprika
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 2 tsps salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground annatto (optional, for color)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 2 jalapenos, seeds removed (or keep seeds for extra heat)
• 2 tbsps Aji Amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow pepper paste) (or substitute with more jalapeno)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken completely dry to maximize marinade penetration and enhance flavor absorption.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper into a harmonious flavor symphony that will elevate the chicken’s taste profile.
3. Seasoning Process: Thoroughly coat the entire chicken with the marinade, meticulously working the mixture under the skin to ensure deep flavor infusion and maximum taste development.
4. Marinating Stage: Seal the seasoned chicken in an airtight container or zip-lock bag, refrigerating for 4-12 hours to allow spices to fully permeate and tenderize the meat.
5. Temperature Equilibration: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature for uniform heat distribution and optimal cooking results.
6. Cooking Technique: Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F, grill over medium-high heat, or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a crispy exterior and juicy interior that captures authentic Peruvian culinary essence.

Notes

• Dry Thoroughly: Pat chicken completely dry to help marinade cling better and create crispier skin during cooking.
• Marinate Deeply: Work seasoning mixture under chicken skin for maximum flavor penetration and more intense taste experience.
• Room Temperature Rest: Allow marinated chicken to sit out 30 minutes before cooking to ensure uniform heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
• Flexibility in Cooking: Versatile recipe works excellently with roasting, grilling, or baking techniques – choose method matching your kitchen setup and preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg