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Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

  • Author: ChefEmma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting or Grilling
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce (Aji Verde) is a flavorful and juicy roasted or grilled chicken dish served with a vibrant, spicy cilantro-based green sauce.


Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (about 3.5-4 lbs), spatchcocked
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the Aji Verde sauce:
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 jalapeños (seeded for less heat)
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare a grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
  3. Rub the marinade generously over the spatchcocked chicken, including under the skin. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
  4. Place the chicken on a roasting pan or grill, skin side up. Roast or grill for 45–60 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the Aji Verde sauce by blending cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, jalapeños, lime juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the green sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Notes

  • Spatchcocking helps the chicken cook evenly and more quickly.
  • Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference.
  • The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or salad for a complete meal.