Chicken recipes are the most popular in my kitchen, but I’m always trying to switch it up. No bland chicken here! This Peruvian Chicken with green sauce is packed with so much flavor, I’m amazed every time I make it. There’s no multi-hour prep or marinating process, just an amazing dinner in about an hour. If you’re looking for more dinner party recipes, you might like this fresh shrimp ceviche, roasted Cornish game hens, bacon-wrapped asparagus, or this amazing Instant Pot buffalo chicken dip.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Ingredients Used
For the chicken:
Whole chicken: I usually make this with a whole chicken because it’s the perfect family-sized meal. You can use individual chicken pieces, too!Garlic: Raw garlic makes everything better. It adds an extra dimension to all my recipes. If you’re out, garlic powder will work, too.Olive oil: This both helps get a super crispy skin and helps the spices stick to the chicken. Lime juice: You can use store-bought lime juice, but I always think fresh has a better flavor. Aji amarillo paste: I use this in the chicken marinade and in the green cilantro sauce. If you can’t find any, you can always swap it for a diced habanero for the chicken marinade.Cumin: If your dish is missing a little something, try cumin. It’s one of my favorite spices as I get older because it’s a little spicy, a little savory, and a lot delicious. Sweet paprika: I love the flavor of sweet paprika! You can also use regular or smoked paprika in a pinch, too. Oregano: The herbaceous flavor of oregano is perfect for Italian and Latin American food. Feel free to use dry — no need to chop it fresh.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
For the green sauce:
Cilantro: For the best Peruvian green sauce, use fresh cilantro. You can’t skip this!Jalapeños: You can always increase or decrease the spice level with jalapeños. Don’t forget to ditch the seeds!Aji amarillo paste: If you’re not using this amazing paste for your sauce (it’s not super easy to find), try a chili paste like sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. Vinegar: This adds just the perfect amount of tang to the sauce without overpowering it. Be sure to use distilled vinegar! Cotija cheese: This Mexican cheese is my favorite! It’s salty, crumbly, and definitely addictive. Parmesan cheese is an acceptable substitute.Mayonnaise: Be sure to add this last when making the sauce. If you blend mayo at a high speed, it will separate so be very careful. Mayo helps make the cilantro sauce super creamy!
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Peruvian Chicken
Follow these steps for the best Peruvian chicken recipe with homemade cilantro sauce:
Tips and Tricks
Here’s some tips to make the best Peruvian chicken every time:
Use a meat thermometer. The best way to know chicken is done is to check it internally. To avoid slicing open every piece, use a meat thermometer! I love my Thermapen, but any meat thermometer like this cheaper alternative works!Make it easier. If you love this marinade but don’t want to make a whole chicken, you can use any individual cuts, too! Breasts, legs, thighs, and wings are all great with this Peruvian sauce and marinade.Marinate it longer. If you want to prep some of this in advance, spatchcock and marinate your chicken in the morning or the night before and let it soak in all that juicy flavor. Then, just pop it in the oven or on the grill when it’s time to eat! Use the grill. This recipe is great in the oven, but there’s something about the smokiness of grilled chicken I just love. Throw your veggies on the grill, too, and dinner is done without heating up your house in the summertime. Win-win!
Other Easy Chicken Recipes I Love
Mexican Chicken MarinadeAir Fryer Nashville Hot ChickenSlow Cooker Butter ChickenInstant Pot Chicken TendersCopycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Now that you’re a pro at making this Peruvian chicken, you’re ready for your next dinner party! This recipe is great for guests but also works for a weeknight dinner in under an hour. Make sure to Pin this recipe so more people can enjoy it too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
