Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – The marinade infuses the chicken with a deep, smoky, and citrusy taste.
- Creamy and Spicy Sauce – The green sauce adds a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy kick.
- Healthy and Protein-Packed – High in protein with balanced flavors and healthy fats.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for all skill levels.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stays juicy and delicious, even when reheated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Creamy Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Grill the Chicken – Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the Green Sauce – While the chicken is grilling, blend cilantro, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, jalapeño, minced garlic, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy – Drizzle the creamy green sauce over the grilled chicken and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 380 kcal
Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs – Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Make it Spicier – Add an extra jalapeño or some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative.
- Oven-Baked Option – If you don’t have a grill, bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for 2 months.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just adjust the grilling time to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with Peruvian grilled chicken?
It pairs well with rice, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C).
Is this recipe spicy?
The green sauce has a mild kick from the jalapeño, but you can adjust the spice level.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Fresh cilantro is best, but if needed, use 1 tablespoon of dried cilantro in the sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, replace it with more Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
Can I grill the chicken indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan on medium-high heat or an indoor electric grill.
Conclusion
Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is a must-try dish bursting with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked indoors, this dish is perfect for a flavorful and easy meal. Try it today and enjoy a taste of Peru right at home!
Peruvian Grilled Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
This Peruvian Grilled Chicken is packed with bold, smoky flavors and served with a creamy green sauce bursting with fresh cilantro, lime, and jalapeño. Perfect for a healthy, protein-rich meal with a zesty kick! Serve it with rice, salad, or roasted veggies for a complete dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Grilled Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients
Notes
For extra charred flavor, grill over direct heat for the last minute.
✔️ Adjust the jalapeño amount for more or less spiciness.
✔️ Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
