Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a wildly flavorful, colorful, and utterly comforting dish, this Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe is going to win your heart and your taste buds. Imagine juicy, spice-rubbed chicken roasted to crispy perfection, paired with a luscious sauce that combines tangy, fresh green mango and creamy avocado — it’s a match made in culinary heaven that delivers vibrant textures and layers of flavor in every bite. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a showstopping weekend meal, this recipe is as satisfying as it is gorgeous.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things deliciously simple but brilliantly balanced. Each ingredient plays a pivoting role: spices bring warmth, herbs add brightness, and the sauce components make the dish feel fresh and indulgent all at once.

  • 6-8 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for leaner servings, both soak up the marinade beautifully.
  • 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a crispy, golden chicken skin.
  • 6 cloves garlic: The backbone of the marinade’s savory kick.
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded if desired and chopped: Brings subtle heat and layers of flavor without overpowering.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin elevates the classic Peruvian spice profile.
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and/or parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the marinade and finish the dish with herbal freshness.
  • 1 mango, chopped: The star of the creamy sauce, its tart sweetness complements the spice.
  • 1 avocado, chopped: Adds incredible creaminess and buttery texture to the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup mayo: Builds the sauce’s luscious base.
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to balance the richness.
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro: Packs a fragrant punch in the sauce.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley: Grounds the sauce with subtle greenery.
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded if desired: More heat and freshness for the sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic: Infuses extra flavor depth into the sauce blend.
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Zesty acidity that brightens and lifts all the flavors.
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Adds a nuanced nutty aroma to finish the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a roomy casserole or baking dish, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil or melted butter, fresh garlic, chopped jalapeño, smoked paprika, cumin, chopped cilantro and parsley, then season everything with salt and pepper. This marinade is magic in motion, infusing the chicken with vibrant, earthy flavors. If you have time, let it rest in the fridge for an hour or even overnight to deepen those flavors.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken to Perfection

Once marinated, roast the chicken in the hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pieces are cooked through and their skin crisps up to golden perfection. The high heat ensures a lovely crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy — exactly what you want for a standout main.

Step 3: Blend the Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce

While the chicken bakes, it’s time to whip up that luscious sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped mango and avocado, mayo, Greek yogurt, cilantro, parsley, two jalapeños, garlic cloves, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed. This sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy — an irresistible partner for the roasted chicken.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Serving is where the magic culminates — spoon that creamy green sauce generously over warm chicken, or serve it on the side for dipping. The combination of smoky, crispy chicken and vibrant sauce is a harmonious celebration of textures and tastes.

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top brightens the presentation and adds herbaceous freshness. For a little extra zing, a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño or a wedge of lime on the side can also enhance the visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or a simple cilantro-lime rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, or even a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette add great texture contrast and balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a colorful family-style meal, serve the chicken sliced over a large platter topped with dollops of the green mango and avocado sauce, surrounded by rice and veggies. Alternatively, you can turn it into a vibrant bowl—layer rice, chicken, sauce, and fresh mango or avocado chunks for a modern, fresh presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and sauce can be kept in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and avoid the chicken becoming soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The sauce is best made fresh, but if freezing, do so without the dairy components to preserve texture; thaw and reblend with fresh yogurt before serving.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in the oven or a skillet to keep it crispy, avoiding the microwave if possible. Reheat the sauce separately to maintain its creaminess. Add a splash of lime juice if it tastes muted after heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but they may cook a bit faster and can be slightly less juicy than thighs, so keep an eye on them while roasting.

Is this Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level, primarily from the jalapeños. You can easily adjust the heat by removing the seeds or using fewer peppers to suit your taste.

Can I make the sauce vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the mayo and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like cashew cream or coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version while maintaining that creamy texture.

How far in advance can I prepare this recipe?

The marinade can be made the night before to deepen flavors, and the sauce can be prepared a few hours ahead. Combining everything just before serving keeps everything fresh and vibrant.

What can I serve instead of rice?

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a crisp green salad make great alternatives that offer different textures and nutritional profiles while complementing the rich chicken and sauce.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. The juicy chicken paired with that unforgettable sauce will have you craving it again and again. So gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and dive into this delightful blend of fresh, smoky, and creamy flavors that’s truly a celebration of Peruvian-inspired cooking!

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Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe

Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Mango and Avocado Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 86 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful roasted chicken dish featuring a zesty marinade of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection for a crispy finish, the chicken is served with a luscious, creamy green sauce made from cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, avocado, mango, and a blend of mayo and Greek yogurt. This dish brings a bright, fresh, and slightly spicy taste perfect for a wholesome family meal.


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 68 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

For the 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Marinade: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large casserole dish, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil or melted butter, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chopped cilantro and/or parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step is optional but highly recommended to infuse the spices into the meat.
  3. Bake the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through—juices should run clear—and the skin starts to crisp nicely on top.
  4. Prepare the Creamy Green Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine mango, avocado, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, fresh lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt as needed.
  5. Serve: Once the chicken is out of the oven, serve it over bowls of rice topped with generous spoonfuls of the creamy green sauce along with some extra mango and avocado chunks for freshness and texture. Enjoy your vibrant and comforting Peruvian-inspired meal!

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the depth of flavor but is not mandatory.
  • If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños or reduce their quantity in the sauce.
  • Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat; chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • The creamy green sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed white rice or quinoa to soak up the creamy sauce.

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