Delicious Peruvian Chicken Recipe for Family Gatherings
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a vibrant journey to Peru right from your kitchen? This Peruvian Chicken Recipe is not only packed with flavor but is also incredibly easy to make! Ideal for family dinners, weekend barbecues, or even casual get-togethers with friends, this dish will surely impress everyone around the table.
What makes this recipe so special? It all starts with marinating juicy chicken thighs in a luscious blend of spices, herbs, and zesty lime juice that creates an explosion of flavor. The addition of a creamy green sauce adds a delightful twist, making each bite a burst of freshness. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this mouth-watering dish!
Ingredients
- 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 cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a blender, combine the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- Make the Green Sauce: In a blender, combine the jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, and garlic. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on one side with the grill cover closed. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Oven Method: If you prefer, preheat the oven to 500°F. Place the chicken in a 13×9 inch roasting pan and add 1 cup of water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent the pan with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes until fully cooked.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh parsley can be used instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve this dish with a side of rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make it Ahead: You can marinate the chicken a day in advance, making meal prep easier on busy days.
Serving Suggestions
This Peruvian Chicken is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Fluffy white rice or quinoa
- Grilled vegetables for a colorful plate
- A fresh avocado salad with lime dressing
- Warm tortillas for a fun twist
Conclusion
With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, this Peruvian Chicken Recipe is bound to be a hit at your next gathering. Not only is it easy to make, but it also brings a taste of Peru to your dinner table, creating memories with family and friends. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill or oven, and enjoy a delightful meal!
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may require less marinating time and could cook faster on the grill.
Can I make the sauce without mayo?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mayo with additional Greek yogurt or even sour cream for a lighter sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to enjoy.
What if I don’t have a grill?
If grilling isn’t an option, the oven method works perfectly well! Just follow the baking instructions above.
| Nutrition Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 731 kcal |
| Protein | 39 g |
| Fat | 60 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
Delicious Peruvian Chicken Recipe for Family Gatherings
Course: Main CourseCuisine: PeruvianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes35
minutes731
kcalTry this delicious Peruvian chicken recipe for a flavorful family meal. Juicy chicken thighs marinated with spices and served with a creamy green sauce!
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
5 cloves garlic (peeled)5 cloves garlic (peeled)
1/3 cup soy sauce1/3 cup soy sauce
2 Tablespoons lime juice2 Tablespoons lime juice
1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons cumin2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Black pepper to tasteBlack pepper to taste
3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped)3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped)
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
2 cloves garlic (peeled)2 cloves garlic (peeled)
1/2 cup mayonnaise1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon lime juice1 Tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- In a blender, combine the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
- In a blender, combine the jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, and garlic. Blend until smooth. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes on one side with the grill cover closed. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If you prefer, preheat the oven to 500°F. Place the chicken in a 13×9 inch roasting pan and add 1 cup of water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent the pan with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes until fully cooked.











