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Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce

Tender, marinated chicken thighs bursting with cumin and garlic, topped with a vibrant cilantro-jalapeño sauce that's both creamy and bright
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 8 hours
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Peruvian
Calories: 731

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs boneless, skinless
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled, for marinade
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice for marinade
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for marinade
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • black pepper to taste, for marinade
  • 3 jalapeños seeded, ribs removed, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 green onions chopped, green parts only
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled, for sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice for sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for sauce

Equipment

  • blender
  • Large zip-top bag
  • Grill or oven
  • Digital meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper. Puree until completely smooth.
  2. Place chicken thighs in a large zip-top bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and massage gently to coat all pieces evenly. Refrigerate for 8-24 hours.
  3. Make the green sauce by combining jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.
  4. With the blender motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is creamy and emulsified. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until serving.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F). Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess.
  6. Place chicken on grill grates, close lid, and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving.
  7. Flip chicken using tongs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes with lid closed.
  8. Use a digital thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with generous spoonfuls of green sauce.
  10. OVEN METHOD: Preheat oven to 500°F. Place chicken in a 13x9 inch roasting pan with 1 cup water. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent with foil and cook 15 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  11. AIR FRYER METHOD: Cook at 360°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

Can use any cut of chicken. For less spice, remove all jalapeño seeds and ribs. Substitute jalapeños with aji amarillo paste for more authentic flavor. Can replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or sour cream. Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers.
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