Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines juicy marinated chicken with a creamy, spicy green sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and rich flavor, making it a standout meal for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or roasting the chicken indoors, this recipe is easy to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of Peruvian chicken, a dish known for its unique seasoning and the zingy green sauce that makes it so irresistible.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
This Peruvian chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, simple to make, and bursting with flavor. Marinated in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, and spices, the chicken thighs become tender and full of savory goodness. When paired with the creamy Aji Verde (green sauce), which features jalapeños, cilantro, and Greek yogurt, it creates a delicious contrast of flavors. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for grilling, roasting, or even air-frying. The vibrant green sauce adds a creamy kick that makes every bite an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken and Green Sauce
For the Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their rich flavor and tender texture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami to balance the flavors.
- Lime Juice: Provides a tangy brightness to the marinade.
- Olive Oil: A base for the marinade that helps tenderize the chicken.
- Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor.
- Oregano: Brings an herbal freshness to the chicken.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde):
- Jalapeños: The heat in the sauce comes from the jalapeños. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds and ribs.
- Cilantro: A fresh herb that brings a bright, zesty flavor to the sauce.
- Green Onions: Used for a mild onion flavor that doesn’t overpower the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the sauce, giving it smoothness.
- Greek Yogurt: Balances the mayo with a tangy, creamy texture.
- Lime Juice: Provides acidity that brightens the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps emulsify the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Chicken: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, wings, or even a whole chicken for this recipe.
- Green Sauce: If you don’t enjoy the taste of cilantro, try substituting it with parsley. Additionally, you can swap the mayonnaise with Mexican crema or sour cream for a different flavor profile.
- Jalapeños: For a spicier version, use serrano peppers instead of jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peruvian Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs into a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it in. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
- Prepare the Green Sauce (Aji Verde): In a blender, combine jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Gradually add olive oil while the blender is running to emulsify the sauce. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Roasting: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place the marinated chicken on a roasting pan and cook for 30 minutes. Cover the pan with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. Place the chicken thighs in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Tips & Tricks
- Check Chicken Doneness: For perfectly cooked chicken, always use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Milder Sauce: If you prefer a milder green sauce, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers.
- Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The green sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of the green sauce to your preference by controlling the number of jalapeños used.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Serve this Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce alongside a variety of delicious side dishes:
- Rice: A side of fluffy white or cilantro-lime rice complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salads: Pair with a light, fresh salad with avocado, tomatoes, and lime dressing.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled corn, bell peppers, or zucchini make great companions for this dish.
- Tacos: Use the chicken in tacos, adding a drizzle of the creamy green sauce for a flavorful twist.
For a spicier variation, substitute the jalapeños with aji amarillo paste for a truly authentic Peruvian touch.
The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is an easy yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its bold flavors, combined with the creamy and tangy green sauce, make it perfect for casual weeknight dinners or a fun meal to share with guests. Whether you grill, roast, or air-fry the chicken, this dish delivers satisfying results every time. Try this recipe today and experience the flavors of Peru in the comfort of your home.
Conclusion: A Delicious Peruvian Delight You’ll Love
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a perfect way to bring bold, vibrant flavors to your dinner table. With its tender, marinated chicken and creamy, spicy green sauce, this dish delivers a combination of savory and tangy notes that will satisfy all your taste buds. The recipe is flexible, allowing you to grill, roast, or air-fry the chicken, making it a versatile meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a get-together, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather the ingredients, marinate the chicken, and enjoy the unique flavors of Peru in the comfort of your own home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut of meat. However, chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and juiciness. If using chicken breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely, as they tend to cook faster than thighs.
How can I make the green sauce milder?
If you prefer a milder green sauce, simply reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers before blending them. You can also substitute the jalapeños with a milder pepper like poblano for a less intense heat level.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Both the chicken and the green sauce can be prepared in advance. Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge and store the green sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and serve with the chilled green sauce.
More Relevant Recipes
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner: A Simple and Flavorful Family Favorite
- Grilled Lemon Chicken Recipe: A Bright and Flavorful Grilled Delight
- Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: A Creamy and Savory Delight
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs grilled or roasted to perfection, paired with a tangy, creamy green sauce made from jalapeños, cilantro, and Greek yogurt. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, delivering bold and vibrant flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- 3 jalapeños, seeds removed and roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions, chopped (green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours for best flavor.
- For the green sauce, combine the jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth. Gradually add olive oil while blending, then transfer to a bowl and refrigerate.
- Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, roast the chicken at 500°F for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the grilled chicken with the creamy green sauce on the side, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a milder green sauce, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and ribs.
- If you prefer, you can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or any cut you prefer.
- To check chicken doneness, use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can make the green sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If the green sauce is too spicy, use only 1 or 2 jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled, Roasted, or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 731 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1691mg
- Fat: 60g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 48g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
