Flavorful Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce Recipe

Name: Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed (adjust for heat); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp lime juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

November 21, 2025

Updated:

November 21, 2025

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You’ve just stumbled upon a culinary treasure that will take your taste buds on a journey south of the equator. Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in a warm, flavorful hug. Imagine tender, juicy chicken marinated to perfection, paired with a vibrant green sauce that packs a punch and leaves you begging for more.

This dish has been my go-to for family gatherings and casual dinners alike. I vividly remember the first time I served it at a barbecue. It was like fireworks went off in their mouths! The combination of flavors and textures had everyone raving, ensuring this recipe would be part of my repertoire forever.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy-to-make Peruvian chicken brings bold flavors to your table without breaking a sweat.
The green sauce adds an irresistible zing that elevates each bite.
Visually striking with its bright colors, it’s sure to impress your guests.
This dish is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

I still chuckle when my uncle tried to impress everyone by eating his chicken with just the green sauce—his face was priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on your hungry crowd.
Olive Oil: A must for marinating; it keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed works best for a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Cumin: A staple spice that adds earthiness and warmth to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential for enhancing all the flavors in your marinade.

For the Sauce:

Fresh Cilantro: Use only the fresh stuff; dried cilantro just can’t compete with its vibrant flavor.
Jalapeño Pepper: Adjust according to your heat preference; it’s where the magic happens in this sauce!
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and balances out the heat from the jalapeño in the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is key here; you want that robust flavor shining through.
Lime Juice: For an extra zing that brightens everything up!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes or longer if you can wait.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, place chicken breasts in and sear them until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side should do it.

Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer seared chicken breasts into an oven-safe dish and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Prepare the Green Sauce: In a food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeño, mayonnaise, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth—a little taste test is recommended here!

Serve It Up: Slice the chicken breasts and drizzle generously with that luscious green sauce. Serve alongside rice or crispy potatoes for some added crunch.

Let me tell you, every bite of this Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce will have you dreaming of far-off lands filled with vibrant markets and spicy street food vendors calling out their wares!

You Must Know

Mastering Peruvian chicken with green sauce will impress your friends and family.
The combination of juicy chicken and zesty sauce is a crowd-pleaser.
This dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, bringing vibrant flavors to your table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least two hours. Then, grill or bake it until golden brown while preparing the green sauce simultaneously for the best flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the herbs in the green sauce for your favorites. You can also add a splash of lime juice to brighten up the flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping the chicken juicy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F internally.
Don’t rush marination; let flavors infuse for at least two hours.
For extra zest, serve with lime wedges on the side!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of serving this dish to friends and hearing their delighted reactions—it’s truly rewarding when they ask for seconds!

FAQ

What is Peruvian chicken with green sauce?

Peruvian chicken with green sauce features marinated grilled chicken complemented by a vibrant herb sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance for convenience.

How do I make the green sauce less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, use fewer jalapeños or remove seeds before blending them into the sauce.

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