Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Ever had chicken so succulent it practically melts in your mouth?

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce recipe! Perfectly marinated and roasted chicken is paired with a lush, zesty sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. And hey, it’s super quick — you’ll only need one pan for a hassle-free cleanup. Perfect for any night of the week, this dish has gone viral for all the right reasons!

Why make this recipe

Why whip up this Peruvian chicken, you ask? Here are a few irresistible reasons:

  • Easy Cleanup: Everything gets cooked on a single sheet pan. Yes, please!
  • Affordable: Chicken thighs and drumsticks won’t break the bank but deliver big on flavor.
  • Family-Friendly: Who wouldn’t love crispy chicken drizzled with a creamy sauce? Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds! 😋

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps for mouthwatering chicken and sauce:

  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 better yet, overnight. The longer, the tastier!

  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 — yum!

  3. Roast the Chicken
    Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. For an added crunch, broil for the last 3 minutes.

  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.

  5. Serve and Savor
    Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and then serve 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.

Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

How to make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe (Overview)

Making this delightful dish is as easy as 1-2-3… well, actually five! First, you marinate that chicken until it’s bursting with flavor. Then, roast it to crispy perfection while that green sauce transforms into a creamy dream in the blender. Pro tip? Don’t skip marinating — it makes a world of difference! Next, let everything rest for a bit before serving. Easy peasy!

How to serve Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Serve this Peruvian chicken straight from the oven, and let those colors pop! The golden-brown skin glistens, while the creamy green sauce adds a luscious touch. Pair it with sides that offer crunch and freshness. Think roasted potatoes with herbs or a crisp salad that bursts with colors and aromas. Your dinner plate will look and smell like culinary magic! 🌿🍽️

How to store Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven for best results, and maybe give it an extra drizzle of sauce!

Tips to make Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe

  • Marinate Longer: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight for the best flavor.
  • Crispy Skin Hack: Place the chicken on a rack to ensure even cooking and a super crispy skin.
  • Add Heat: Like it spicy? Leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add hot sauce to the green sauce.
  • Switch it Up: Try using chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut, though it might not be as juicy.

Variation

Want to give it a twist? Try adding some honey to the marinade for a sweet touch or swap out chicken for tofu for a plant-based version. You can also play with different herbs in the sauce — mint or basil can bring a whole new vibe! 🌈

FAQs

Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based mayo and yogurt for the sauce.

How long does the creamy green sauce last?
It keeps well in the fridge for about 5 days, making it a fantastic dip or salad dressing too!

What to serve with this chicken?
Serve it with rice, a simple green salad, or roasted veggies. It pairs well with almost anything — even on its own!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Best Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Experience succulent, marinated chicken coupled with a creamy green sauce that bursts with flavor. Easy, affordable, and perfect for family dinners!
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Peruvian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, 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 pieces jalapeños seeds removed for less heat
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

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 better yet, overnight.

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.

Roast the Chicken

  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
  • For an added crunch, broil for the last 3 minutes.

Make the Creamy Green 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.

Serve and Savor

  • Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Serve hot with a generous drizzle — or bowl — of the creamy green sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinate longer for the best flavor. For a crispy skin, place the chicken on a rack during roasting. To add heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add hot sauce.
Keyword Creamy green sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family-Friendly Dinner, Peruvian chicken, Sheet pan chicken

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