Peruvian Chicken Recipe

Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce

Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce

Prep: 15 mins | Cook: PT0S | Total: 1 hrs 20 mins | Serves: 4 serving(s) | Cuisine: Latin American Cuisine, South American Cuisine, Peruvian Cuisine, South America Travel Cuisine, Chile Cuisine
I used to think Peruvian chicken meant roasting a whole bird for hours. Then I tried this Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce, and it completely reset my weeknight dinner expectations. The secret is chicken thighs, which cook in a fraction of the time while staying juicy. We rub them with grated garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, a drizzle of olive oil, a little vinegar, and a spoonful of aji amarillo paste for that gentle Peruvian warmth. After just fifteen minutes of marinating, the flavors already taste like they’ve been hanging out together all day. What I love most is how the chicken turns golden and crusty while the green sauce sits cool and bright on the side. That sauce—creamy, herby, with a kick—makes every bite feel like a little trip to a street cart in Lima. So grab a pack of chicken thighs, stir together the marinade, and let this Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce carry the rest. By the time the sauce is blended, dinner is practically done.

Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce

Ingredients

  • Three cloves of garlic, either grated or chopped into small pieces
  • Two tablespoons of high-quality olive oil with a fruity flavor
  • One tablespoon of purified vinegar with a neutral taste
  • Two teaspoons of paprika smoked to perfection
  • One teaspoon of spicy Aji amarillo pepper paste, if desired
  • One teaspoon of cumin ground into a fine powder
  • One teaspoon of flaky salt from a kosher source
  • Half a teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground for optimal flavor
  • Two and a half pounds of chicken thighs with the bone and skin intact
  • Two jalapeño peppers, seeds removed, then chopped into tiny bits
  • A single clove of garlic, peeled to reveal the inner flesh
  • One cup of cilantro leaves and tender stems, with additional leaves for serving
  • Two limes, with their zest and juice extracted, and extra wedges on the side
  • One teaspoon of pure honey with a rich, sweet flavor
  • Half a teaspoon (or to taste) of kosher salt with a flaky texture
  • A quarter teaspoon (or to taste) of black pepper, ground fresh for the best flavor
  • A quarter cup of olive oil with a high smoke point and rich flavor

Instructions

Step 1

To start making your Peruvian-Style Chicken With Green Sauce, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that's heating up, take a moment to prep your chicken - you'll want to rinse it under cold water, then pat it dry with some paper towels to get it ready for seasoning. Next, season your chicken with a blend of spices, making sure to coat it evenly, and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You'll roast the chicken in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown, crispy, and caramelized, which should take around 20-25 minutes - keep an eye on it to ensure the skin doesn't get too dark.

Step 2

To start cooking the chicken, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). As you wait for the oven to heat up, take a moment to prep the chicken - give it a good rinse, pat it dry with some paper towels, and season with a bit of salt. Once the oven is ready, you'll place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown. You'll know it's done when the juices run clear and the meat feels firm to the touch.

Nutrition Information

calories: 835 Calories
fat: 68 g
carbohydrate: 7 g
protein: 48 g
fiber: 2 g
sugar: 3 g

My Tip

When handling the aji amarillo paste, start with a small amount, as it can be quite potent.

Leftovers

To keep your Peruvian-Style Chicken fresh, store leftovers in a shallow glass container to preserve the crispy skin. Reheat in the oven to retain crunch.

Make It Your Own

Swap chicken for shrimp and add some diced mango for a sweet twist.

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