Juicy, Bold, and Made for Home Kitchens
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a dish known for its bold seasoning, juicy texture, and unmistakable creamy cilantro sauce. This version is written specifically for home cooks who want dependable results without complicated steps or specialty equipment. It balances deeply marinated chicken with a fresh, tangy green sauce that enhances rather than overwhelms the dish.
The chicken is seasoned with garlic, lime juice, spices, and vinegar, then roasted at a high temperature to achieve crisp skin and tender meat. The green sauce, often referred to as aji verde, brings brightness with cilantro, lime, and mild heat from jalapeño. Together, they create a meal that feels special enough for guests while still being practical for a weeknight dinner.
This recipe is built on technique, not shortcuts. Proper marinating, careful roasting, and a smooth blended sauce ensure consistent results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peruvian chicken recipe works because every step has a purpose. The marinade penetrates the meat, creating flavor throughout rather than just on the surface. Roasting at a higher temperature renders the skin crisp while keeping the inside juicy. Letting the chicken rest before slicing preserves moisture and improves texture.
The green sauce adds contrast with its creamy, herb-forward flavor and gentle heat. It can be adjusted easily for personal preference, making the dish flexible for different households. This recipe is reliable, repeatable, and adaptable, which makes it one you can confidently return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken
Whole chicken butterflied or bone-in skin-on pieces
Olive oil
Lime juice
White vinegar
Soy sauce
Garlic
Ground cumin
Paprika
Dried oregano
Salt and black pepper
For the green sauce
Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Fresh cilantro
Jalapeño
Garlic
Lime juice
Olive oil
Salt
Optional Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Marinate the Chicken
Combine olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken thoroughly and refrigerate for at least one hour. Overnight marinating produces deeper flavor.
Roast the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the chicken skin-side up on a lined pan. Roast until the skin is golden, the chicken is cooked through, and the juices run clear.. Rest before slicing.
Make the Green Sauce
Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate briefly to allow flavors to develop.
Serve
Slice the chicken and serve with green sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
How to Serve Peruvian Chicken
Serve this dish hot with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. It also works well for family-style meals where everyone can add sauce to taste. Keep the sauce separate until serving to maintain texture.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to three days. Store sauce separately.
Reheat chicken in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated evenly throughout.
Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Prepare sauce one day ahead if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping marination time
Overcrowding the roasting pan
Adding too much jalapeño initially
Not resting the chicken before slicing
Mixing sauce into leftovers instead of storing separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in pieces provide better flavor and moisture. If using boneless cuts, reduce cooking time and monitor closely.
Is Peruvian chicken supposed to be spicy
Traditionally, it has mild heat. This version allows you to control spice by adjusting the jalapeño in the sauce.
Can this be grilled instead of roasted
Yes, grilling works well. Cook over medium heat and turn carefully to avoid flare-ups while achieving even cooking.
What makes the green sauce taste authentic
Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and proper blending create the signature flavor. Letting the sauce rest briefly improves balance.
Is this recipe gluten-free
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers
Freeze cooked chicken without sauce for up to two months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture.
How long does the green sauce last
When stored properly, it keeps for three to four days in the refrigerator.
Can I make the sauce milder
Yes, remove jalapeño seeds or reduce the amount used.
What sides work best
Rice, potatoes, salads, or simple vegetables all pair well.
Conclusion
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a dependable, flavor-forward recipe that brings bold seasoning and fresh contrast into a single, satisfying meal. By focusing on proper marination, high-heat roasting, and a balanced sauce, this version delivers consistent results without unnecessary steps. It works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and casual entertaining alike. The flexibility of the sauce and the reliability of the technique make this a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation. Once prepared this way, it becomes a trusted go-to for home-cooked comfort with character.
Recipe Card
Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
Author: Isaac Blogger
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Marinate Time: 1–12 hours
Total Time: 1 hour plus marinating
Servings: 4
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Peruvian
Method: Roasting
Diet: Gluten-Free
Before You Begin:
Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
Ingredients
4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or 1 butterflied whole chicken
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Green Sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded if desired
1 garlic clove
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
Optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Marinate chicken at least one hour.
Roast at 425°F until cooked through.
Blend green sauce until smooth.
Rest chicken, slice, and serve with sauce.
Nutrition per serving
Calories 420
Protein 30g
Fat 30g
Carbohydrates 4g
Sugar 1g
Sodium 580mg
Nutrition Disclaimer:
Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
