Juicy Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is a bold, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your own kitchen. The chicken is marinated in a smoky, citrusy blend of garlic, lime juice, and spices, then grilled or roasted until perfectly charred. But the real star? The vibrant green sauce creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat thanks to jalapeños and fresh cilantro.

This recipe is quick to prep, ideal for make ahead marinating, and a total crowd-pleaser. You’ll love it for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or when you want to spice up your usual chicken routine. If you’re a fan of chicken alfredo ravioli lasagna or crave something zesty like garlic parmesan chicken pasta, this one’s a must-try. Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is your new go-to for bold, craveable flavor.

If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you’ll love this as much as our ultra-comforting garlic parmesan chicken pasta.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

To make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce, marinate boneless chicken thighs in a savory, spiced blend of garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, and cumin. After a long marinade, grill or roast the chicken until it’s charred and juicy. Meanwhile, blend up a creamy green sauce made with jalapeños, cilantro, and lime. Serve the cooked chicken with the chilled green sauce for a bold, restaurant style dish at home.

This recipe shines when the chicken is given plenty of marinating time aim for at least 8 hours. Whether you’re firing up the grill or roasting in the oven, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F for safe and juicy results.

Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Green Sauce

• 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 green onions (green parts only, chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 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

Tip: For a lighter version of the sauce, you can use more Greek yogurt and reduce the mayo.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Prep the Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

1. In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth.
2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in the marinade, seal, and turn to coat evenly.
3. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor.

Blend the Creamy Green Sauce

1. In a blender, combine jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully emulsified.
4. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce thickens slightly as it chills.

Grill or Roast the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

To Grill:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 350°F).
2. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
3. Place on grill grates, cover, and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

To Roast in Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 500°F.
2. Arrange chicken in a 13×9-inch roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water to the pan.
3. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
4. Tent the pan loosely with foil and continue cooking for another 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Rest, Slice & Serve with Extra Sauce

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
2. Slice or serve whole with a generous drizzle of the creamy green sauce.
3. Pair with rice, roasted potatoes, or salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Learn more about safe poultry temps from the USDA Food Safety Guidelines.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing chicken recipes? Try this cheesy chicken alfredo ravioli lasagna next.