Delicious Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Name: Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves fresh garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; Juice of 1 lime; 1-2 serrano peppers

Published: February 27, 2025

by Liora

Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking to enhance the overall taste
Cumin Powder: This spice adds warmth and depth to the chicken’s flavor profile
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the overall flavor of the dish

For the Sauce:

Fresh Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant green color and refreshing taste
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient provides creaminess while keeping the sauce light and healthy
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness and balances the flavors in the sauce
Serrano Peppers: Adjust the heat level by using more or fewer peppers according to your preference

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

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and cumin powder. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the boneless chicken breasts to ensure even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Bake in Oven

Transfer the seared chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Prepare the Green Sauce

While the chicken bakes, combine cilantro leaves, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic cloves, and serrano peppers in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy; adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Once cooked through, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

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How to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor. Prepare the creamy green sauce and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to three days before serving.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce separately, which can last up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm on medium heat in a skillet until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Gently reheat the creamy green sauce on low in a saucepan, stirring frequently until hot.

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Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

One common mistake when preparing Peruvian chicken is overcooking it. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and loses its succulent flavor, which is essential for this dish. To prevent this, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption but not exceed that limit. Cooking at medium heat allows the chicken to cook evenly while retaining moisture. Additionally, marinating the chicken for several hours enhances its tenderness and flavor profile, making each bite delicious.

Don’t Skimp on the Marinade

The marinade is crucial for achieving the authentic taste of Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce. Many cooks make the mistake of not allowing enough time for the chicken to soak up the flavors from the marinade. Ideally, let your chicken marinate for at least four hours or overnight if possible. This duration allows the spices and herbs to penetrate deeply into the meat, enhancing its flavor significantly. Moreover, consider using fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice in your marinade to achieve a vibrant taste.

Balance the Creamy Green Sauce

Another pitfall is failing to balance the flavors in your creamy green sauce. A good sauce should have a harmonious blend of creaminess and zestiness. If it tastes too bland or overly spicy, adjust by adding more lime juice or salt gradually until you hit that perfect spot. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find a combination that suits your palate best. Remember that the sauce complements the chicken, so it should enhance rather than overpower its flavor.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

Using low-quality ingredients can significantly affect your dish’s overall flavor and texture. Invest in fresh herbs, quality chicken, and flavorful spices for an authentic experience when making Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce. Fresh cilantro or jalapeño will elevate your dish far beyond what dried or stale ingredients can offer. Always check expiration dates on condiments like mayonnaise or yogurt used in your sauce as they contribute to its creaminess and flavor profile.

FAQs

What is Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?

Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce is a popular dish originating from Peru, featuring marinated roasted or grilled chicken served with a vibrant green sauce made primarily from cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and mayonnaise or yogurt. This dish highlights unique flavors characteristic of Peruvian cuisine, combining savory elements with a refreshing kick from the sauce. It’s often served alongside rice or potatoes for a complete meal that showcases rich cultural influences.

How do I store leftovers of Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?

To store leftovers of Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce properly, let them cool down first before transferring them to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to three days without losing quality. For longer storage, consider freezing portions of both cooked chicken and sauce separately; they can be stored for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on low heat.

Can I substitute ingredients in Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?

Yes! You can easily substitute some ingredients while preparing Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce without sacrificing much flavor. For example, if you don’t have fresh cilantro available, parsley could work as an alternative though it will shift the taste slightly. In terms of heat levels, you may replace jalapeños with milder peppers like poblanos if you prefer less spice. Likewise, different types of yogurt can replace mayonnaise in your creamy green sauce for a healthier option.

Is there a vegetarian version of Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?

Absolutely! You can create a delightful vegetarian version by replacing chicken with hearty vegetables such as portobello mushrooms or cauliflower florets marinated similarly in spices and then grilled or roasted until tender. The creamy green sauce maintains its authenticity when paired with these substitutes since it’s rich enough to complement various textures effectively while still delivering that signature flavor profile found in traditional recipes.

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Conclusion for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

In summary, mastering Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce requires attention to detail in preparation and ingredient selection. By avoiding common mistakes such as overcooking and under-marinating your chicken, you’ll ensure moistness and depth of flavor in every bite. Balancing your creamy green sauce enhances its appeal while using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in taste. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, this dish promises an exciting culinary experience that everyone will love! Enjoy experimenting and refining this tasty recipe!

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