Description
Enjoy the flavors of Peru with this delicious Peruvian Chicken recipe served with a zesty Green Sauce (Aji Verde). Tender, marinated chicken thighs or drumsticks are roasted to perfection and served with a creamy, herbaceous sauce that adds a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or for impressing guests with its vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lime
For the green sauce (Aji Verde):
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1–2 jalapeños (seeded for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the chicken and toss well to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Roast the chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Roast for 35–45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness if desired.
- Make the green sauce: Add all sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and lime juice to taste.
- Serve: Serve the roasted chicken hot with the green sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, leave the jalapeño seeds in or substitute with aji amarillo paste if available.
- This chicken pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, or salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of chicken and sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
