Have you ever tasted a dish that instantly transports you to another part of the world? That’s exactly what happens when you try Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde). This dish is a beloved staple in Peru, known for its tender, marinated chicken paired with a bright, zesty, and creamy green sauce that keeps people coming back for more.
What makes this recipe so special is its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and oven-roasted to golden perfection, while the sauce is tangy, herbaceous, a little spicy, and creamy. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or simply want to expand your international cooking skills, this recipe will become a regular on your menu.
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Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions.
✔ Authentic Flavor – Inspired by traditional Peruvian rotisserie chicken (Pollo a la Brasa).
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice, herbs, or side dishes to fit your taste.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for casual dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
✔ Nutrient-Rich – High in protein, balanced with fresh herbs and citrus.
Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
For the Chicken Marinade
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
For the Creamy Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeded for mild heat, with seeds for extra spice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and stems
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Recipe Card
📌 Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1–24 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating)
- Servings: 4 people
- Calories per serving: ~380 kcal
How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
Pro Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Place marinated chicken on the prepared sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Alternative: Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side for a smoky flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Green Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime for tang, or more jalapeño for heat).
Step 5: Serve
- Slice chicken and place on plates.
- Generously drizzle with the creamy green sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed white rice or Peruvian-style garlic rice
- Roasted potatoes or yuca fries
- Fresh green salad with avocado
- Warm crusty bread to scoop up extra sauce
- Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Sauce can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave gently.
Tips & Tricks for Best Results
✅ Don’t skip the marinade – It’s essential for tender, flavorful chicken.
✅ Use fresh ingredients – Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeños make all the difference.
✅ Adjust spice level – Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce.
✅ Check internal temp – Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
✅ Rest chicken before slicing – This keeps it juicy.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs – Juicier than breasts.
- Dairy-free – Use vegan mayo and coconut yogurt.
- Low-fat – Replace mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Extra flavor – Add cumin, aji amarillo paste, or a splash of vinegar to the sauce.
- Grill it – For a smoky, authentic taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs about Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
Q1. What is Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce?
It’s a popular Peruvian dish where chicken is marinated, roasted or grilled, and served with a creamy cilantro-jalapeño sauce called Aji Verde.
Q2. Is this recipe authentic?
This is a simplified home-friendly version inspired by Pollo a la Brasa. Traditional versions use Peruvian spices like aji amarillo and rotisserie cooking.
Q3. Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Remove jalapeño seeds or substitute with mild green chilies.
Q4. What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, potatoes, yucca fries, roasted veggies, or even quinoa.
Q5. Can I grill instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken tastes amazing with smoky notes.
Q6. How long can I store the sauce?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight jar for up to 5 days.
Q7. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before marinating.
Q8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Just reduce the spice in the sauce.
Q9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just adjust marinade and sauce quantities accordingly.
Q10. Is this gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is more than just a dinner recipe—it’s a taste of Peru right in your kitchen. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken and the zesty, herb-packed sauce creates an unforgettable meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.
By following the tips above—marinating properly, using fresh ingredients, and serving with authentic sides—you’ll create a dish that your family and guests will crave again and again.
So, grab some chicken, fresh cilantro, and limes, and get ready to enjoy one of Peru’s most delicious culinary treasures tonight!
