There’s something truly transformative about a roast chicken; it can elevate any meal and turn an ordinary dinner into a celebration. Recently, after a day filled with the hustle and bustle of errands, I craved a dish that exuded warmth and flavor. Enter my Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce—a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also invites everyone to gather around the table.
As the zesty aroma of cumin, paprika, and garlic wafts through the house, you can’t help but feel your mood lifting. The juicy, golden chicken is complemented beautifully by a creamy green sauce that captures the essence of bright cilantro and a hint of spice from jalapeño. This recipe is incredibly versatile, perfect for impressing friends at dinner or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal after a long day.
No need for fast food when you can whip up a dish that feels just as delightful while being made right in your kitchen. Get ready to savor each bite and elevate your weeknight dinner game!
Why is Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: This dish bursts with vibrant flavors from the perfect blend of spices and herbs, making every bite a memorable experience.
Creamy Delight: The creamy green sauce adds a rich, tangy twist that complements the chicken beautifully, ensuring you’ll keep coming back for more.
Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious meal ready to impress guests or satisfy your cravings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chicken is sure to be the star of the table.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it alongside rice, salad, or your favorite side dish. You can even use the creamy sauce as a dip for veggies or bread!
Healthy Comfort Food: With wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition, you can indulge guilt-free in this comforting classic.
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Whole chicken (3-4 pounds) – This juicy bird serves as the centerpiece of this delightful dish.
- Olive oil – Enhances flavor and helps achieve a beautiful crispy skin.
- Ground cumin – Offers a warm, earthy note that brings depth to the chicken.
- Paprika – Adds a mild sweetness and a lovely color to the roast.
- Garlic powder – Provides a convenient burst of garlic flavor without the chopping.
- Salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors of the dish.
- Black pepper – Brings a subtle heat that balances the spices.
- Lime, juiced – Brightens up the chicken, adding zest and freshness.
For the Creamy Green Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base that elevates this sauce’s texture.
- Sour cream – Adds tanginess and richness, making the sauce irresistible.
- Jalapeño – Removes the seeds for a milder kick, perfect for all palates.
- Fresh cilantro leaves – The key ingredient that delivers bright, herbal notes.
- Lime juice – Reinforces the zesty flavor, tying everything together.
- Olive oil (additional) – Incorporates smoothness and richness into the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh cloves provide a punch of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt – Balances the flavors of the sauce.
- Black pepper – A hint of spice to round out the creamy goodness of the sauce.
How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will ensure the chicken gets that lovely crispy skin while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
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Mix the olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a small bowl. This spice blend will infuse the chicken with rich flavors that will linger in every bite.
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Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Make sure to get the mixture under the skin for maximum flavor!
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Place the chicken on a roasting pan and roast it in the oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Look for that golden brown color that signals it’s time to eat!
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Prepare the creamy green sauce while the chicken is roasting. In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to achieve a beautiful, vibrant sauce.
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Remove the chicken from the oven once done, and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period helps keep the juices locked in for a succulent meal!
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Serve the chicken with the creamy green sauce on the side, allowing everyone to load their plates with flavor.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for an extra pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Variations
Feel free to take this recipe and make it your own with delicious twists that brighten each bite!
- Dairy-Free: Swap out mayo and sour cream for vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version.
- Spice it Up: Add diced habanero or serrano peppers to the creamy green sauce for a fiery kick that layer on warm flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Replace cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbaceous touch that will excite your taste buds.
- Tangy Twist: Incorporate some chopped green olives or capers into the sauce for an unexpectedly delightful tang that complements the chicken superbly.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange juice in place of some lime juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor that uplifts the overall dish.
- Garlicky Greens: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale to the creamy green sauce for an added nutritious boost and earthiness.
- Nutty Crunch: Top the finished chicken with toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to add a rich, smoky depth to your chicken that’s simply unforgettable.
Storage Tips for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Fridge: Store leftover Peruvian Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to save it longer, freeze the chicken without the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Sauce Storage: The creamy green sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir well before serving again to maintain its delightful creaminess.
Expert Tips for Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce
Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken dry: Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy skin, making your Peruvian Chicken truly irresistible.
Even Coating: Rub spices thoroughly: Ensure the spice mixture is evenly distributed all over and under the skin for maximum flavor throughout the chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Let it rest after roasting: Allowing the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving keeps it juicy and tender, preventing dry meat.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken that remains succulent in each bite.
Sauce Blending: Blend until smooth: For the best creamy texture and intense flavor, blend the sauce ingredients well, using fresh cilantro to elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions: Experiment with sides: Pair your Peruvian Chicken with a refreshing salad or fluffy rice to complement the creamy green sauce perfectly.
What to Serve with Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful side dishes that harmonize beautifully with the vibrant flavors of this chicken.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish offers a zesty touch that echoes the chicken’s bright notes, making each bite refreshingly tasty.
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of seasonal veggies adds both texture and nutrition, balancing the meal with caramelized sweetness.
- Garlic Bread: Golden, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy green sauce, creating a satisfying bite you won’t want to miss.
- Quinoa Salad: The nuttiness of quinoa, mixed with fresh vegetables and a citrus dressing, complements the chicken while providing a wholesome texture.
- Chilled Avocado Soup: This smooth, creamy soup adds a cooling element that pairs wonderfully with the zing of the green sauce.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and spicy, mango salsa brings a delightful contrast to the savory chicken, enhancing your taste experience with every spoonful.
- Pisco Sour: A refreshing cocktail made from pisco, lime juice, and egg white; its tangy sweetness perfectly offsets the savory flavors of the dish.
- Flan: End your meal on a sweet note with this silky dessert, whose caramel notes will beautifully round out the flavor journey you’ve embarked on.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and colorful finish that provides a burst of natural sweetness, cleansing the palate after a hearty meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season the chicken and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing the flavors as it sits in the fridge. Additionally, whip up the creamy green sauce and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days—this will keep it fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to serve, simply roast the chicken as per the recipe and finish with the sauce; you’ll enjoy a delectable meal that tastes just as delicious with minimal effort. This strategy saves you precious time on busy nights while still delivering a homemade touch.
Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! A whole chicken weighing between 3-4 pounds is ideal as it allows for even cooking and a juicier result. Opt for free-range or organic chicken if available for better flavor. Look for a bird with smooth skin and no dark spots—this indicates freshness.
How should I store leftover Peruvian Chicken?
If you have any leftover Peruvian Chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s cooled down to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation, which could affect the texture.
Can I freeze leftover chicken, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze leftover chicken! Let it cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
What should I do if my creamy green sauce is too thick?
No worries! If your sauce ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a tablespoon of lime juice or water to loosen it up. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. The fresh lime will also enhance the flavor!
Is this dish suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very! This Peruvian Chicken itself is gluten-free, but be cautious if you or your guests have allergies. For dairy-free options, you can substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Always check labels to avoid cross-contamination with allergens.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh—it should read 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check if the juices run clear when you poke the thigh with a knife; if they’re pink, it needs more time!
Delicious Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix the olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a roasting pan and roast it in the oven for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare the creamy green sauce while the chicken is roasting. In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy green sauce on the side.