Description
A flavorful Peruvian Chicken recipe featuring oven-baked chicken thighs or breasts marinated in aromatic spices and herbs, served with a creamy, zesty green sauce made from avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime. This vibrant dish offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, ideal for a satisfying dinner served over rice with mango and avocado chunks.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 6-8 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/3 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded (optional) 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 leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 jalapeños, seeded (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a casserole dish, combine the chicken 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 coat the chicken evenly. For best flavor, marinate the chicken for 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator if time allows.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin starts to crisp up and brown nicely. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Make the Creamy Green Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the mango, avocado, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and toasted sesame oil in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Arrange the baked chicken over bowls of rice. Spoon generous amounts of the creamy green sauce over the chicken and garnish with extra mango and avocado chunks. Serve immediately and enjoy the bright, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor and tenderness.
- You can adjust the heat level by including or omitting jalapeño seeds.
- Serve this dish with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
