Description
This Peruvian Chicken recipe features juicy baked chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with smoky paprika, cumin, and fresh herbs, served alongside a vibrant, creamy green sauce made from fresh herbs, avocado, mango, and a hint of spice. Perfectly balanced with a tangy lime kick, this dish brings authentic Peruvian flavors to your table with simple, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 6-8 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired and chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and/or parsley
Creamy Green Sauce
- 1 mango, chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 jalapeños, seeded if desired
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a casserole dish, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chopped cilantro and/or parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. For best results, marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin starts to crisp up nicely.
- Make the Creamy Green Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine mango, avocado, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, seeded jalapeños, garlic cloves, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken over bowls of rice, topped generously with the creamy green sauce and chunks of mango and avocado for a delicious, colorful, and flavorful meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the spice level of both the chicken and sauce.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- This sauce also makes a great dip or spread for sandwiches.
- Serve with steamed white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
