Peruvian Chicken with Green is a culinary gem that brings together tender, marinated chicken thighs and a vibrant cilantro-jalapeño sauce. This dish is a staple in Peruvian cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors and beautiful presentation. The marination process infuses the chicken with a delightful blend of spices, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with the creamy green sauce. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress at your next dinner party or simply satisfy your cravings for something delicious, this recipe is the answer!
Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken with Green
This dish isn’t just about great taste; it offers a variety of benefits that make it a must-try. First, the use of fresh herbs like cilantro makes it a healthy option. Second, the marinade enriches the chicken with rich flavors, making it an unforgettable meal. Third, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it grilled, baked, or air-fried. Additionally, it’s gluten-free, accommodating various dietary needs. The Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is also perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers. Lastly, the dish is quick to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Green
Gather these items:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled, for marinade)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (for marinade)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- black pepper (to taste, for marinade)
- 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled, for sauce)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Puree until completely smooth.
- Step 2: Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
- Step 3: Make the green sauce by combining jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.
- Step 4: With the blender motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is creamy and emulsified. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 5: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
- Step 6: Place chicken on grill grates, close lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
- Step 7: Flip chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes with lid closed.
- Step 8: Use a digital thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 9: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with generous spoonfuls of green sauce.
- Step 10: OVEN METHOD: Preheat oven to 500°F. Place chicken in a 13×9 inch roasting pan with 1 cup water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and cook 15 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 11: AIR FRYER METHOD: Cook at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Peruvian Chicken with Green
Keep these in mind:
- For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 24 hours.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
- For a healthier option, consider using skinless chicken breasts.
- Try pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Best Ways to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Green
This dish shines when served with simple sides. Try pairing it with rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted sweet potatoes. For a traditional twist, consider presenting it alongside Pollo a la Brasa with Green Sauce to showcase the best of Peruvian cuisine.

How to Store and Reheat Peruvian Chicken with Green
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain safety. This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peruvian Chicken with Green
What is Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce?
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs topped with a vibrant cilantro-jalapeño sauce. It’s a staple in Peruvian cuisine known for its delicious blend of spices and fresh ingredients.
Can I make Peruvian Chicken with Green ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the night before or cook it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peruvian Chicken with Green?
To avoid common pitfalls, make sure to properly marinate the chicken for adequate flavor infusion. Also, monitor the cooking temperature closely to prevent dryness. Lastly, don’t skip the resting period after cooking!
Variations of Peruvian Chicken with Green You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! You can try using different cuts of chicken, such as breasts or drumsticks, to see which you prefer. For a twist, consider adding spices like cayenne for a Spicy Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. Additionally, you can serve it with Peruvian Chicken with Cilantro Sauce for a fresh variation.

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce: 10 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 8 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, marinated chicken thighs bursting with cumin and garlic, topped with a vibrant cilantro-jalapeño sauce that’s both creamy and bright.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 5 cloves garlic (peeled, for marinade)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (for marinade)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- black pepper (to taste, for marinade)
- 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled, for sauce)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Puree until completely smooth.
- Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
- Make the green sauce by combining jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.
- With the blender motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is creamy and emulsified. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until serving.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
- Place chicken on grill grates, close lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
- Flip chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes with lid closed.
- Use a digital thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with generous spoonfuls of green sauce.
- OVEN METHOD: Preheat oven to 500°F. Place chicken in a 13×9 inch roasting pan with 1 cup water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and cook 15 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- AIR FRYER METHOD: Cook at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
- Prep Time: 8 hours
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 731 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 60 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 51 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Peruvian Chicken, Green Sauce, Chicken Thighs, Marinade