Name: Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons oregano; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, packed; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 2 pieces jalapeños, seeds removed; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt

What’s the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken with a vibrant twist?

Imagine biting into perfectly roasted chicken — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and to top it off, a creamy, zesty green sauce that takes it to the next level. This Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. It’s quick to prepare, involves minimal cleanup, and trust me—it’s about to become a weeknight favorite in your kitchen.

Why make this recipe

First off, easy cleanup is the dream, right? With just a few bowls and a baking sheet, you’ll be done before you know it. Secondly, how can you resist chicken that’s so affordable yet feels like a gourmet dish? Plus, it’s family-friendly — kids will love the crispy chicken, and you can serve the sauce on the side for those picky eaters. Who doesn’t love a meal that pleases everyone? 😋

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

For the Chicken Marinade:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Creamy Green Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours—or, even better, overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the rack. This allows air to circulate and the skin to get crispy.
Roast the Chicken
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Optionally, broil for the last 3 minutes to add a little extra char and crunch.
Make the Creamy Green Sauce
While the chicken roasts, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as desired.
Serve and Savor
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot with a **generous drizzle—**or bowl—of the creamy green sauce on the side. Pair it with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

How to make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe (Overview)

The process is pretty straightforward! Start by tossing your chicken in that flavor-packed marinade; let it chill for a cozy soak. Preheat your oven, get that chicken ready on a rack (crispy skin is essential, after all), and let it roast until it’s gloriously golden. While it’s baking, whip up the super simple green sauce — just blend and go! Once everything’s done, serve it up and watch it disappear like magic.

Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!

How to serve Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

When it comes to serving, get creative! This dish shines with a side of golden roasted potatoes or a light, zesty salad. Picture your table filled with colorful plates, the vibrant green sauce popping against the rich browns of the chicken. The aroma? Absolutely irresistible! You’ll have everyone rushing to the table.

How to store Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Got leftovers? No worries! This chicken can chill in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it, and it’ll last for about 3 months. Reheat in the oven under low heat to preserve that crispiness. Seriously, who has time for rubbery leftovers? 😉

Tips to make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Timing is Everything: Marinate overnight if you can—flavor gains serious depth with a little patience!
Oven Safety: Use a wire rack to get that crispy skin; it makes a world of difference.
Adjust the Heat: For a spicier sauce, leave some jalapeño seeds, or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Ingredient Swaps: Greek yogurt can easily replace sour cream for a lighter option.
Veggie Options: Serve with grilled veggies for a fresh twist!

Variation

Want to play with flavors? Swap out chicken for potatoes or veggies to create a vegan-friendly version. Or add a bit of cumin or lime zest to the sauce for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! 🌱

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken for just 30 minutes?
You can, but the longer you allow it to marinate, the more flavor it’ll soak up. Overnight is best!

Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time because boneless chicken cooks faster.

How do I make this dish spicier?
Simply add more jalapeños or even some chopped serrano peppers. Spice it up as you like! 😊

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!