There’s something undeniably captivating about the vivid flavors of Peru, and today, I’m excited to share a dish that captures that essence beautifully: Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe transforms your weeknight dinners into a culinary adventure, making it perfectly suited for busy schedules without compromising on taste. The juicy, roasted chicken, paired with a vibrant, creamy sauce, promises a satisfying family-style meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply indulge in some delicious comfort food, this dish is a definite winner. Ready to bring a taste of Peru to your table?
Why is this chicken recipe special?
Simplicity reigns supreme: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll effortlessly whip up a full-flavored meal. Crowd-pleaser: This Peruvian Chicken will impress your family and guests alike, with its deliciously crispy skin and zesty creamy sauce. Versatile options: Customize with different cuts of chicken, sauces, or side dishes to suit your taste. Looking for lighter options? Try using Greek yogurt in the sauce or serving alongside fresh veggies for a colorful plate! Check out other flavorful meals like Lemon Butter Chicken for more culinary inspiration.
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds) – Main protein, essential for a savory base. No substitutions suggested for optimal flavor.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Adds moisture and flavor. Substitute with avocado oil if desired.
- Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon) – Provides deep, earthy flavor. Essential for authenticity.
- Paprika (1 tablespoon) – Adds color and subtle sweetness. No substitutions suggested.
- Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon) – Enhances aromatic depth. No substitutions suggested.
- Salt (2 teaspoons) – Elevates flavor. Essential for proper seasoning.
- Black Pepper (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and balances the dish. No substitutions suggested.
- Lime Juice (1 lime) – Tenderizes chicken and brightens flavor. Fresh lime is recommended for best taste.
For the Creamy Green Sauce
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup) – Base for creamy sauce. Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter alternative.
- Sour Cream (1/4 cup) – Adds tanginess to the sauce. No substitutions suggested.
- Jalapeño (1 whole, seeds removed) – Adds heat. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.
- Fresh Cilantro (1 cup) – Enhances flavor profile. No substitutions suggested.
- Lime Juice (2 tablespoons) – Provides freshness and acidity. Use fresh lime juice for best results.
- Garlic (3 cloves) – Boosts savory elements of the sauce. No substitutions suggested.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Season to taste. Adjust according to preference.
This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is not just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that deliciously crispy skin on our Peruvian Chicken. As the oven heats up, you’ll prepare the chicken, ensuring it has a warm, inviting environment for optimal roasting.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Rub
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful spice rub. Use a whisk or a fork to blend these ingredients thoroughly, ensuring nothing is clumpy. This mixture will coat your chicken, infusing it with rich flavors as it roasts in the oven.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Pat the whole chicken dry using paper towels, which will help achieves a crispy finish. Generously apply the spice rub all over the chicken, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This process should take about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to cling to the chicken beautifully, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan. Slide it into your preheated oven and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours. Keep an eye on it as it cooks; you’ll know it’s done when the skin turns golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures perfectly juicy meat with a crisp exterior.
Step 5: Blend the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is roasting, prepare the creamy green sauce. In a blender, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and garlic. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the texture to your preference. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a vibrant sauce that will complement the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is beautifully roasted, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial, as it enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful when you serve the Peruvian Chicken.
Step 7: Carve and Serve
Now it’s time to carve your succulent roasted chicken! Position it on a large platter or cutting board, and slice it with a sharp knife. Serve your delicious Peruvian Chicken alongside the creamy green sauce, perhaps with lime wedges and cilantro for that extra touch, offering a delightful family-style meal that’s ready to impress.
Make Ahead Options
These Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken with the spice rub up to 24 hours in advance to deepen the flavors. Simply cover the seasoned chicken and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast it. Additionally, the creamy green sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and vibrant. When ready to serve, roast the marinated chicken as instructed, carve it, and drizzle the creamy sauce on top for a flavorful meal that tastes just as delicious as if made fresh that day!
Expert Tips for Peruvian Chicken
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Crispy Skin Secret: Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to enhance crispiness during roasting, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown finish.
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Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part; this guarantees juicy meat and prevents undercooking.
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Flavor Infusion: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken with the spice rub up to 24 hours in advance; the extra time allows the spices to penetrate fully.
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Cooking Time Caution: If the chicken skin browns too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it finishes cooking.
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Sauce Adjustments: Feel free to tweak the creamy green sauce by adjusting the jalapeño for spice preference or substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is a satisfying family meal that’s both flavorful and easy to make!
What to Serve with Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavors of this vibrant dish.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness contrasts beautifully with the zesty chicken, soaking up the creamy green sauce for an irresistible bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add a touch of sweetness, providing a colorful and nutritious counterbalance on your plate.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant, zesty rice dish echoes the flavors of the chicken’s sauce, creating a harmonious meal that is perfect for soaking up every last drop.
- Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans brings a hearty texture, complementing the juicy chicken while adding an earthy flavor profile.
- Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: This bright and refreshing option brings acidity and crunch, cutting through the richness of the chicken and sauce for a delightful contrast.
- Mixed Green Salad: Crisp greens tossed with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing coolness and texture that balances the warm, hearty chicken.
- Chardonnay or Pisco Sour: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the meal with its crisp acidity, while a Pisco Sour introduces a luscious, fragrant twist to the dining experience.
- Flan or Tres Leches Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with a light, creamy flan or an indulgent tres leches cake, evoking the traditional flavors of Peru.
Storage Tips for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
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Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy green sauce separate, where it can last for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze any remaining Peruvian Chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Serve it with the creamy green sauce for the best flavor experience.
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful dish your own with these exciting variations!
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Chicken Thighs: Swap the whole chicken for bone-in thighs or drumsticks; adjust cooking to 30-40 minutes for juicy, tender meat. This tweak makes it easier to serve smaller portions without sacrificing flavor.
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Greek Yogurt Option: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to create a lighter sauce, keeping all the creamy goodness but adding a tangy twist. This alternative keeps indulgence without the guilt.
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Herb-Infused Sauce: For an herbal lift, add fresh parsley or basil to the creamy sauce; blending in aromatic herbs elevates the overall flavor profile to a whole new level. The freshness brings a garden-like vibrance that complements the richness.
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Extra Veggies: Integrate roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the side or even mix them into the sauce. This adds not only beautiful color but also nutrients and an inviting hearty feeling.
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Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the jalapeño or incorporate bell peppers; this allows you to tailor the heat to your family’s taste preferences. Enjoying the meal should be a balanced experience for everyone!
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Crème Fraîche Creaminess: For an indulgent twist, swap sour cream with crème fraîche for an ultra-rich creamy sauce. It takes the comfort food vibe to the next level with its luxurious texture.
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Citrus Zing: Add orange or grapefruit juice to the sauce for an unexpected pop of citrus; this brightens the dish and pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. It’s a refreshing way to enhance the flavor!
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Savory Marinade: Consider marinating the chicken in the spice rub for 24 hours before roasting for deeper flavor infusion. This step enhances the richness, giving you that restaurant-quality taste at home.
For more culinary delights, try these scrumptious recipes: Chicken Pitas Herby or Cowboy Butter Chicken. Let your creativity shine as you explore these variations!
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best whole chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting a whole chicken, look for one that has a firm feel and tight skin. The color should be pale pink, and avoid any with dark spots or an unpleasant odor. An ideal choice is organic or free-range chicken, which often offers better flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover Peruvian Chicken?
For optimal freshness, store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the creamy green sauce is kept separately — it can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoying it quickly will ensure you replicate the delicious flavors of this dish!
Can I freeze Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its juicy texture.
What if my chicken is browning too quickly in the oven?
Very! If you notice the chicken skin browning too quickly, gently cover it with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from burning while the rest of the chicken finishes cooking. Just peek in occasionally to ensure it’s cooking evenly!
Is this dish suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities. However, watch out if anyone has allergies to mayonnaise or sour cream; you can substitute Greek yogurt to accommodate those needs without sacrificing flavor.
How should I reheat leftover Peruvian Chicken?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. Pair it with the creamy green sauce for a delightful reprise of this meal!
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce for a Flavorful Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a spice rub.
- Pat the whole chicken dry and apply the spice rub generously all over.
- Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- In a blender, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic; blend until smooth.
- Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes after roasting.
- Carve and serve alongside the creamy green sauce.
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