The aroma of marinating chicken fills the kitchen, transporting me to a Peruvian market bustling with spices and vibrant colors. Just thinking about this Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce makes my taste buds tingle in anticipation. This dish isn’t just about delicious flavors; it’s also a quick delight to prepare, perfect for those hectic weekdays or relaxed weekend gatherings. The fusion of a tangy green sauce with richly marinated chicken thighs adds a zingy twist that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a homemade meal, this recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free entertaining. Ready to dive into this culinary journey? Let’s spice things up together! Why is This Chicken Recipe Unique? Bold Flavors: This dish packs a punch with a marinade that infuses the chicken with rich, savory goodness, ensuring every bite is a flavor explosion. Easy to Prepare: The process is a breeze—just marinate, blend the sauce, and cook! You’ll impress without the stress. Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal, or serve the green sauce as a dip at your next gathering. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare for busy days! Both the chicken and sauce can be prepped in advance, making weeknight cooking a snap. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a homemade treat, everyone will love this Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. It’s sure to become a family favorite! Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Ingredients For the Chicken Marinade Chicken Thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs are ideal for a juicy and tender outcome. Garlic – Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth to the marinade; opt for whole cloves for the best flavor. Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness; substitute with gluten-free soy sauce for dietary needs. Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice balances flavors with necessary acidity. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Ensures moisture in the marinade; you can also use avocado oil if preferred. Cumin – An essential spice for warm, earthy notes that enhance the authentic taste. Paprika – Contributes both sweetness and color; smoked paprika can provide an extra layer of flavor. Dried Oregano – Adds a herbal note that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Black Pepper – Season to taste; adjust according to your spice preference. For the Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde) Jalapeños – Use deseeded jalapeños for flavor without intense heat; adjust based on your spiciness preference. Fresh Cilantro – This key ingredient adds a burst of freshness; parsley can be used as an alternate. Green Onions – The green parts provide a mild onion flavor, enhancing the sauce without overpowering it. Mayonnaise – Gives creaminess to the aji verde; Greek yogurt can serve as a lighter alternative. Greek Yogurt – Introduces tanginess and additional creaminess while keeping the sauce light. Salt – Essential for enhancing all flavors; adjust according to taste. Each bite of this Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce promises a delightful experience that brings the charm of authentic flavors right to your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Step 1: Prepare Marinade In a blender, combine fresh garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth for a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with flavorful goodness. This step takes just a few minutes, but the resulting sauce will be packed with robust flavors that elevate your Peruvian Chicken. Step 2: Marinate Chicken Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a resealable ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion. This marinating process is crucial, as it tenderizes the chicken and imbues it with delicious, savory notes. Step 3: Make Green Sauce While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vibrant green sauce, or aji verde. In a blender, combine jalapeños, fresh cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, then slowly add olive oil while blending to achieve a creamy consistency. This colorful sauce adds a tangy kick to your Peruvian Chicken and can be refrigerated ahead of time. Step 4: Cook Chicken Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 500°F. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, letting any excess marinade drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until beautifully charred and cooked through, or bake uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes. Cover with foil for an additional 15 minutes if needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and tender, juicy results. Expert Tips for Peruvian Chicken Marinating Time: Let the chicken marinate for the full period (8-24 hours) to ensure maximum flavor absorption; shortcuts lead to bland results. Check Temperature: Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Heat Adjustment: Control the spiciness of the aji verde by adjusting the number of jalapeños; fewer jalapeños will make it milder, perfect for kids or spice-sensitive guests. Make Ahead: Both the chicken and aji verde can be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress when entertaining or on busy weeknights. Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices for vibrant flavors. Dried herbs can alter the dish but aren’t as impactful as fresh cilantro. Serving Suggestions: Pair the Peruvian Chicken with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors and brighten up the entire meal. How to Store and Freeze Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Fridge: Store leftover Peruvian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the marinated chicken in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. Green Sauce: Keep the creamy green sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Optionally, freeze for up to 2 months; just reblend after thawing for best texture. Reheating: Gently reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. What to Serve with Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce The zingy flavors of this Peruvian chicken dish are only enhanced by delicious and complementary sides that will elevate your dining experience. Fluffy Rice: This classic side absorbs the flavors of the marinade and creamy sauce, making every bite a delight. Zesty Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad with diced cucumber and tomatoes adds a light, crisp contrast to the rich chicken and sauce. Charred Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of grilled corn pairs perfectly with the vibrant aji verde, adding a fun crunch to your plate. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring earthy flavors that balance the spice of the chicken, making for a colorful meal. Creamy Coleslaw: Crunchy, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that lightens up the rich flavors of the dish, making it wonderfully vibrant. Chilled Cucumber Dills: Cool cucumber slices with dill are refreshing and cleanse the palate, allowing the robust chicken flavor to shine through. Enjoy the symphony of flavors by mixing and matching these sides for a beautifully balanced meal! Make Ahead Options This Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs up to 24 hours in advance to ensure they’re bursting with flavor when it’s time to cook. Simply place the chicken in a resealable ziplock bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate. The creamy green sauce can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its vibrant taste intact. When ready to serve, grill or bake the marinated chicken and blend the green sauce if desired, ensuring both are just as delicious as when made fresh. These prep steps will save you time during busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort! Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Variations Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with exciting variations and substitutions! Chicken Substitute: Use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts for a different texture and flavor. You can also try fresh turkey for a unique twist. Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the chicken for cubed tofu or jackfruit for a plant-based version that still retains the delicious marinade flavors. Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Enhanced Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick that spice lovers will adore. Creamy Makeover: For a lighter sauce, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the green sauce to maintain creaminess with fewer calories. Sauce Variations: Mix in some avocado to the aji verde for a silky texture that adds richness and additional health benefits. Citrus Zing: Try substituting the lime juice with fresh orange juice for a sweeter, citrusy layer of flavor that brightens the dish. Chili Infusion: If you enjoy heat, include some diced serrano peppers in the green sauce for an added depth of flavor and spicy flair. Feel free to explore these ideas, and let your kitchen become a canvas of delicious possibilities! And if you enjoy this dish, you might also love the comforting flavors in Grilled Chicken Sauce or the delectable Cajun Shrimp Sauce. Happy cooking! Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken thighs for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs, look for boneless, skinless options with a pink hue and moist appearance. Avoid any that have dark spots or a strong odor, which indicate spoilage. If you prefer, chicken breasts can be a great alternative for a leaner option, but be mindful that they might not remain as juicy. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover Peruvian Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, transfer it to a freezer-safe ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date for easy tracking! Can I freeze the green sauce? Yes! You can freeze the creamy green sauce (aji verde) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For the best texture, reblend the sauce after thawing to restore its creaminess before serving! What if the chicken is undercooked? How can I fix that? If you find your chicken is undercooked after the recommended cooking time, don’t worry! Simply return it to the grill or place it back in the oven. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, checking the internal temperature periodically with a digital meat thermometer until it reaches 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat! Can my pet eat this dish? While the chicken itself is fine for pets in moderation, many ingredients in this recipe, like garlic and onions, are toxic to dogs and cats. Avoid feeding them any portion of this recipe, and stick to plain, cooked chicken without seasonings or sauces for your furry friends. How can I make this dish gluten-free? No problem! To make this Peruvian Chicken gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free variety, such as tamari. This adjustment allows you to enjoy the same savory flavor without sacrificing your dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table can partake in the deliciousness! Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce for Flavor Lovers This Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Aji Verde Sauce is a delicious and quick delight to prepare. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsMarinating Time 24 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 14 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: PeruvianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken Marinade1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken thighs Ideal for a juicy and tender outcome.4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic for aromatic depth.1/4 cup Soy Sauce Can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce.2 tablespoons Lime Juice Freshly squeezed for acidity.2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil.1 teaspoon Cumin Essential spice for warm notes.1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can provide extra flavor.1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds a herbal note.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Season to taste.For the Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde)2 medium Jalapeños Deseeded for flavor without intense heat.1 cup Fresh Cilantro Key ingredient for freshness.1/2 cup Green Onions Use the green parts for mild flavor.1/2 cup Mayonnaise Gives creaminess to the sauce.1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Introduces tanginess.1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste. Equipment blenderGrill or OvenResealable Ziplock Bag Method Chicken Marinade PreparationIn a blender, combine fresh garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a resealable ziplock bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours.Green Sauce PreparationWhile the chicken is marinating, prepare the green sauce. In a blender, combine jalapeños, fresh cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, then slowly add olive oil while blending.Cooking ChickenPreheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 500°F. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, letting any excess marinade drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 27gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesLet the chicken marinate for the full period (8-24 hours) for maximum flavor absorption. Adjust jalapeños for desired spiciness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
