Name: Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 530 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 5 cloves peeled garlic; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 Tablespoons lime juice; 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; black pepper; 3 jalapeños, seeded, ribs removed and roughly chopped; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 2 chopped green onions (green parts only); 2 cloves peeled garlic; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 Tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Introduction to Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Are you ready to elevate your next barbecue? Look no further than Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. This vibrant dish captures the essence of Peru’s culinary heritage, combining tender, marinated chicken with a zesty, herbaceous green sauce known as aji verde. It’s a staple in Peruvian cuisine and perfect for those looking to spice up their dinner routines.

Why Peruvian Chicken?

The magic of Peruvian chicken lies in its incredible depth of flavor, thanks to a marinade that boasts ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice. This dynamic combo ensures that each bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness. What’s even better? The cooking process is straightforward! You can grill the chicken for that perfect char or pop it in the oven for a simple, hassle-free meal.

And let’s talk about that green sauce. Made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and creamy elements like mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, it's a delightful contrast to the smoky chicken. If you’re searching for a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also impresses your guests, this recipe is your golden ticket. You can explore more about the cultural significance of aji verde in The Peruvian Dish.

Ready to dive into this delicious adventure? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Creating a delicious Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is all about using the right ingredients. Not only do they come together to create a vibrant dish, but they also infuse your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Chicken Marinade Essentials

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are perfect for grilling, providing tenderness and flavor.
5 cloves garlic: Garlic is a must for that aromatic punch.
⅓ cup soy sauce: A great source of umami that deepens flavor.
2 Tablespoons lime juice: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness.
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: For richness and moisture.

Spices and Seasonings

2 teaspoons cumin: A staple in Peruvian cuisine that gives depth.
1 teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds herby notes.
Black pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Ingredients for the Green Sauce

3 jalapeños: Just the right amount of heat.
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves: This brings freshness to the dish.
2 green onions: Their mild flavor complements the sauce.
½ cup mayonnaise and ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Together, they create a creamy base.

These ingredients are a harmonious blend that brings authenticity to your meal. Ready to impress your guests? Let’s move on to the cooking!

Step-by-Step Preparation of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Bringing the vibrant flavors of Peru to your dinner table is simpler than you might think! Here’s how to make the delicious Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce in just a few straightforward steps.

Gather Your Ingredients

First things first, make sure you have everything you need for this tantalizing dish. Here's what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:
2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
5 cloves of garlic
⅓ cup of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of lime juice
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons of cumin
1 teaspoon of paprika
½ teaspoon of dried oregano
Black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Green Sauce:
3 jalapeños (seeds and ribs removed)
1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
2 cloves of garlic (peeled)
½ cup of mayonnaise
¼ cup of Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of lime juice
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Having all your ingredients ready makes the cooking process much smoother—trust me!

Marinate the Chicken

For a deep flavor infusion, you'll want to marinate your chicken. In a blender, combine the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper to create a zesty marinade. Place your chicken thighs in a large Ziploc bag, add the marinade, and shake well to coat. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, or even overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to truly meld.

Prepare the Creamy Green Sauce

While your chicken marinates, you can whip up the creamy green sauce—a crucial component of this dish! In a blender, combine the jalapeños, fresh cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil for a velvety texture. If you have a moment, refrigerate the sauce until you're ready to serve; it gets even better as it sits!

Grill or Bake the Chicken

Now for the cooking! You can either grill or bake your marinated chicken thighs.

For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side with the lid closed, using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For Baking: Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place chicken in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the pan. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

Your Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is now ready to shine! Serve the juicy chicken thighs with a generous drizzle of the vibrant green sauce. Pair it with rice, fresh salad, or even grilled vegetables to complement the dish perfectly. Enjoy this delightful burst of flavors with friends and family, and don’t forget to share your experience!

Variations on Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Spicy Roast Option

If you’re craving a little heat, try the spicy roast option for your Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce. Simply add a few extra jalapeños to the marinade or use spicy Peruvian aji peppers if you can find them. This tweak not only intensifies the flavor but also gives a delightful kick. Roasting your chicken adds a nice crispiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy green sauce!

Vegetarian Alternative

For a delicious vegetarian alternative, swap the chicken for hearty portobello mushrooms or cauliflower. Marinate them the same way as the chicken to infuse those bold flavors. Grill or roast until tender, and serve with the rich Peruvian green sauce for a satisfying plant-based dish. It’s a fantastic way to include more veggies while still enjoying that vibrant taste!

Cooking Tips and Notes for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

When making Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, marination is key! Aim for at least 8 hours to allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat. If you're short on time, even 3 hours can suffice but longer is better.

Consider using a digital meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches that vital 165°F for safety and perfect juiciness. If grilling isn’t an option, try roasting your chicken at 500°F for crispy skin.

Lastly, don't shy away from adjusting the aji verde spice level—start with one jalapeño and taste as you blend! For more flavor inspiration, check out this article on Peruvian cuisine.

Serving Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

When serving Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, think beyond the plate to elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious ideas:

Accompaniments: Serve the chicken with fluffy white rice or crispy roasted potatoes to soak up that incredible green sauce. A fresh side salad with lime vinaigrette can brighten up the dish.
Wraps and Tacos: Shred the chicken and wrap it in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
Dipping Delight: Use extra aji verde as a vibrant dip for veggies or chips at your next gathering.

These ideas can transform a simple dish into a culinary celebration, perfect for impressing friends or family!

For more inspiration, check out The Kitchn, which offers additional serving suggestions that can complement your Peruvian Chicken experience.

Time Breakdown for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Preparation Time

Preparing your Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a breeze! Expect to spend about 15 minutes getting everything ready—measuring spices, marinating the chicken, and blending the zesty green sauce.

Marinating Time

For the best flavor infusion, let the chicken marinate for 8 hours. If you can, prep it the night before so it’s ready for grilling the next day!

Cooking Time

Cooking the chicken takes 35 minutes—either on the grill or in the oven. Follow the instructions to get that perfect char or juicy bake.

Total Time

From start to finish, you’re looking at a total of 8 hours and 50 minutes. Most of this time is hands-off while the chicken absorbs those bold flavors.

Ready to impress your guests at your next barbecue? Dive into the full recipe and savor the delightful blend of spices!

Nutritional Facts for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

When you savor the vibrant flavors of Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, it’s good to know what’s on your plate. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key nutritional components:

Calories

A serving of this delicious dish contains 731 calories, making it a hearty option for a main meal.

Protein

Packed with 39 grams of protein, this chicken dish is a fantastic way to meet your daily protein needs, perfect for fueling your active lifestyle.

Sodium

Be mindful of the 1691 milligrams of sodium, which is a bit on the higher side. Balance it with low-sodium sides to keep your meal healthy.

For more details on the health benefits of chicken and flavor-packed sauces, check out Healthline for insights. And if you're interested in low-sodium alternatives for your marinades or recipes, don't miss this great resource on low-sodium cooking. Enjoy your cooking adventure with Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce!

FAQs about Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

What can I serve with Peruvian chicken?

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with:

Cilantro-Lime Rice: The freshness complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Grilled Vegetables: Add a colorful array of grilled peppers, zucchini, or corn.
Salad: A light salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing balances the meal.
Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are great for wrapping the chicken and enjoying every bite.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, aim to marinate your chicken for at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight. This gives the marinade time to penetrate the meat, creating juicy and flavorful Peruvian chicken.

Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the green sauce up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld for an even more delicious experience when you're ready to serve!

Conclusion on Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

In summary, Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce offers a delightful explosion of flavors perfect for your next gathering. The marinated grilled chicken, complemented by the vibrant green sauce, is sure to impress your guests. Try this recipe, and you’ll find a new favorite dish for barbecues!