Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Name: Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks; 4 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons oregano; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed); 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat); 2 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Jack Ellison

Update : January 15, 2026

Plate of best Peruvian chicken with creamy green sauce garnished with herbs

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Why Make This Recipe

Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is a delicious dish that packs a punch of flavor. The marinade, made with lime juice, garlic, and spices, tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy. Paired with the creamy green sauce, made with fresh herbs and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for any meal. It’s easy to make and loved by many, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

How to Make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Creamy Green Sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
1/4 cup fresh parsley
2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and marinate for at least 4 hours—or even better, overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up on the rack. This allows air to circulate and the skin to get crispy.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Optionally, broil for the last 3 minutes to add a little extra char and crunch.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Green Sauce
While the chicken roasts, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning or heat as desired.

Step 5: Serve and Savor
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it hot with a generous drizzle—or bowl—of the creamy green sauce on the side. Pair it with roasted potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Serve the chicken hot on a plate with a drizzle of creamy green sauce on top. You can also serve extra sauce in a small bowl for dipping. This dish goes well with sides like rice, boiled potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.

How to Store Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The creamy green sauce can also be stored in a separate container for the same amount of time. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

For more flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Make sure to place the chicken skin-side up on the rack for crispier skin.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños in the sauce depending on your heat preference.
Serve with fresh lime wedges for an extra zing.

Variation

You can try using different cuts of chicken, such as boneless chicken breasts, but be mindful that cooking times will change. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, try marinating and roasting cauliflower or tofu with the same spices.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cook time as it will cook faster than bone-in chicken.

2. How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Remove the seeds from the jalapeños to reduce the heat, or use fewer jalapeños based on your spice tolerance.

3. Can I grill the chicken instead of roasting it?
Absolutely! Grilling will give the chicken a lovely smoky flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked through to the right temperature.