Elevate your dinner with Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, a dish bursting with incredible flavor! This recipe walks you through marinating juicy chicken thighs and creating a vibrant green sauce that's a must-try. Discover simple steps, tasty variations, and tips to make your meal unforgettable.
4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lime (juice and zest)
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Green Sauce:
1 cup fresh cilantro
½ cup fresh mint
1 jalapeño (seeds removed for milder flavor)
2 cloves garlic
½ cup mayonnaisen
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt to taste
![- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - Olive oil and spices required for marination - Fresh herbs for the green sauce To make Peruvian chicken, start with the right chicken cuts. I prefer chicken thighs because they are juicy and flavorful. The skin keeps the meat tender during cooking. You will also need olive oil and a mix of spices. Paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a rich flavor. Lime juice adds a bright touch. Marinating is key, so let the chicken soak in the mix. - Fresh cilantro and mint - Jalapeño and garlic for flavor - Mayonnaise and lime juice for creaminess The green sauce, or huacatay, brings fresh flavors to the chicken. Fresh cilantro and mint are essential for that vibrant taste. Jalapeño adds spice, while garlic gives it depth. I use mayonnaise for creaminess, along with lime juice to balance the flavors. This sauce is a must-have for your chicken. - Options for low-fat marinade - Vegetarian substitutes for chicken If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also reduce the oil in the marinade. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or portobello mushrooms. These options will still soak up the flavors and taste great. Adjust the spices to fit your chosen ingredient. The Full Recipe will guide you through these ideas. To marinate chicken well, start with a bowl. Mix olive oil, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, lime juice, zest, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thighs in this mix. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least one hour. For best flavor, marinate overnight. This step adds a depth of flavor. It helps the spices soak into the meat. For the green sauce, gather your fresh herbs and other ingredients. In a blender, add cilantro, mint, jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt. Blend until the mix is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more lime juice. This sauce should be fresh and bright. You can taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Chill the sauce in the fridge until ready to serve. Now, let’s cook the chicken! You can oven roast or grill it. If you choose the oven, preheat it to 425°F. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a parchment-lined tray. Roast for 35-40 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F. You want crispy skin for a tasty finish. If grilling, cook each side for about 7-8 minutes. Both methods give great results, but roasting may be easier. Enjoy the delicious aroma as it cooks! To make your Peruvian chicken shine, use key spices. Paprika adds warmth and color. Cumin brings earthiness. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the taste. These spices make the chicken flavorful and aromatic. Fresh herbs are vital, too. They brighten the dish. Use a lot of fresh cilantro in the green sauce. Mint adds a nice touch, making it fresh and lively. When herbs are fresh, they enhance the flavors greatly. Getting the right temperature is key. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the skin get crispy. If you grill, aim for medium-high heat. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and juicy inside. Always check the thickest part of the thigh. Garnishing makes your dish look great. Use fresh cilantro to top your chicken. It adds color and a burst of flavor. For side dishes, serve with rice or a green salad. These sides balance the meal well. You can also add roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Enjoy your delicious Peruvian chicken with green sauce! For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can easily change the heat in your Peruvian chicken. If you like it spicy, keep the seeds in the jalapeño for the sauce. For a milder taste, remove them. You can also use a smaller jalapeño or even a bell pepper. When it comes to the green sauce, feel free to add more herbs or spices. You can try adding a bit of cumin for an extra kick. If you want less heat, use more mayo to balance the flavors. This way, you can make it just right for your taste buds. Want to explore different flavors? You can mix in spices from other cultures. For example, try adding curry powder or smoked paprika to the marinade. This will give your chicken a unique twist. You can also think about serving it with side dishes from other cuisines. Imagine pairing it with Mexican rice or Asian-style slaw. This makes your meal fun and exciting, while still keeping the base Peruvian flavors. You can serve your chicken in many ways. A classic choice is to pair it with fluffy rice. The sauce adds a nice touch to each bite. If you want something lighter, try a fresh salad. The green sauce works great as a dressing. You can also use the chicken in wraps or sandwiches. Just shred the chicken and add it to a tortilla or bread. Top it with the green sauce for a tasty lunch or snack. For the full recipe, check out the details above and enjoy your cooking! To keep your Peruvian chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. Cut the chicken into pieces for quick cooling. Place the green sauce in a separate container. This keeps the sauce vibrant and tasty. Leftovers are best eaten within three days for optimal flavor. You can freeze cooked chicken and green sauce for later use. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. For the green sauce, pour it into an ice cube tray for easy portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. To reheat chicken, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, covered with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until hot. This method keeps the chicken juicy. For the green sauce, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can also microwave it for 15-20 seconds, stirring to keep it smooth. Enjoy your flavorful Peruvian chicken again! What's the history of Pollo a la Brasa? Pollo a la Brasa is a popular dish from Peru. It started in Lima in the 1950s. The dish features marinated chicken, roasted until crispy. It gained fame for its smoky flavor and juicy meat. Today, you can find it in many restaurants worldwide. This dish shows the love Peruvians have for good food. Can I use skinless chicken thighs? Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs. However, the skin adds flavor and crunch. If you prefer skinless, adjust the cooking time. Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's safe to eat. What can I substitute for mayonnaise? You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It gives a creamy texture and adds some tanginess. You can also try avocado for a healthier option. Just blend it with the other sauce ingredients for a smooth mix. How spicy is the green sauce, and can I tone it down? The green sauce has a mild heat from the jalapeño. If you want less spice, remove the seeds. You can also use a smaller jalapeño or substitute it with a bell pepper. This keeps the flavor without the heat. How long can leftovers be stored? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken and sauce fresh. What's the best way to serve this dish? Serve this dish with rice or a fresh salad. Drizzle the green sauce over the chicken for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy with family and friends for a delightful meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link. Peruvian chicken is a delight that blends flavor and tradition. We discussed key ingredients, from juicy chicken thighs to a green sauce full of fresh herbs. You learned how to marinate, cook, and serve this dish, plus ways to customize it. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Use the tips and variations shared to make this dish your own. Don’t forget to store leftovers right to keep the flavors fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey, and share your tasty results!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/76a05391-8529-4b4b-90db-12f13e1e42a4-250x250.webp)