Savory Best Peruvian Chicken w Creamy Green Sauce Recipe
Hey there, friend! Let me take you on a little journey to the heart of Peru with a dish that’s close to my heart—Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. I first encountered this heavenly combination at a colorful street market while backpacking through South America, and it was love at first bite. Imagine the warm sun on your face, the aroma of spices wafting through the air, and a plate piled high with juicy, flavor-packed chicken, all drizzled in a vibrant green sauce that’s as creamy as it is zesty.
This dish not only fills your belly but also wraps you in a cozy hug, reminding you of home, no matter where you are. The combination of marinated chicken grilled to perfection paired with that creamy green sauce is a celebration of flavors that you won’t want to miss. Are you ready to bring a taste of Peru into your kitchen? Let’s dive right into this incredible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner—quick to prep and cook!
- Budget-friendly—uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Comforting flavors that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
- Perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it any time during the week.
- Creative versatility—you can customize the sauce to suit your taste!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this magical dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- For the creamy green sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (stems can be included for extra flavor)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the best Peruvian chicken with that irresistible creamy green sauce:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well coated in the marinade. Let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—or overnight in the fridge if you have the time (it makes a world of difference!).
- Prepare the Griller or Oven: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). While that’s heating up, let’s whip up that creamy green sauce!
- Make the Creamy Green Sauce: In a blender, combine the cilantro, jalapeño, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Do a little taste test and adjust the seasoning if necessary—maybe a dash more lime for tang or a sprinkle more salt to round it out.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill or a baking tray if using an oven. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The outside should be beautifully charred and juicy!
- Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to keep those juices in. Then slice it up into bite-sized pieces, perfect for serving.
- Serve it Up: Arrange the sliced chicken on a serving platter and drizzle generously with that delicious creamy green sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish it with extra cilantro or lime wedges.
Pro Tips & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about ways to have fun with this dish:
- Spice it Up: If you’re looking for a little spice, toss in some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to mix in some parsley or even mint into the green sauce for a different herbaceous note.
- Swap the Protein: You can use the same marinade on shrimp or even veggies like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
- Make it a Bowl: Serve it over rice or quinoa, topping it off with your green sauce and some diced avocado for a nourishing bowl.
- Vegan Option: Use marinated chickpeas or tofu, and swap the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives for a plant-based twist!
Serving Suggestions
As you set the table, think about how cozy you want your meal to feel. I love serving this Best Peruvian Chicken alongside a fragrant bowl of jasmine rice, which soaks up the creamy green sauce perfectly. A simple side salad with crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime keeps everything light and fresh.
And let’s not forget a lovely glass of chilled lemonade or a spicy ginger beer to wash it all down. Trust me, it’s the perfect accompaniment!
Storage Tips
Okay, so leftovers are rare with this dish, but if you do happen to have some, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken and green sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to make it ahead, the chicken can be frozen after cooking. Just make sure to cool it completely, wrap it well, and it should last for up to 2 months. The green sauce is best made fresh, but if you freeze it, use it within a month.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating could be as simple as popping it back into the oven or pan on low heat until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they tend to dry out faster than thighs—cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How spicy is the green sauce?
The heat level really depends on how much jalapeño you use and whether you keep the seeds in. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount or leave it out altogether. You can also substitute it with milder peppers!
What can I serve with this dish?
Oh, so many options! Serve it over rice, quinoa, or in a wrap. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables on the side would complement it beautifully. Don’t forget crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make the green sauce ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. The flavors even deepen, making it even more delicious!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
For sure! This chicken and sauce are perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch at the start of the week and enjoy it throughout. Just keep the sauce separate until serving for the best texture!
Conclusion
And there you have it, my dear friends—the Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce! I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe at home; it’s a delightful way to bring a little adventure into your kitchen. If you give this a shot, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite of that creamy, zesty goodness!
Savory Best Peruvian Chicken w Creamy Green Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Try this delectable Peruvian chicken recipe paired with creamy green sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience Easy flavorful and satisfying
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delicious recipe for marinated grilled chicken served with a creamy, zesty green sauce, inspired by the flavors of Peru.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Fat: 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 33 grams
Keywords: Peruvian Chicken, Creamy Green Sauce, Grilled Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Meal Prep