Easy Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken thighs served with a vibrant and creamy cilantro dipping sauce.
recipesbynani.comPeruvian chicken is a beloved classic that pairs perfectly spiced, zesty meat with a punchy green sauce. This version uses boneless chicken thighs so you can get that smoky charred flavor on your grill in a fraction of the time.
I love serving this for a casual weeknight dinner when I want something flavorful without a lot of fuss. If you prefer using a whole chicken, you can easily adapt this by roasting it in your oven until the skin is crispy and golden.
🧺 Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice for the sauce
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
- 3
Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight.
- 4
While the chicken marinates, make the sauce by blending the cilantro, mayonnaise, jalapeño, and lime juice in a food processor until smooth.
- 5
Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
- 6
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
- 7
Serve the grilled chicken warm with the green sauce drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping.
💡 Tips
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the sauce in a separate jar, as it stays fresh and vibrant for about five days. This pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
You might also like

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
These hearty bowls are packed with roasted sweet potatoes, savory black beans, and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Indian Spiced Turkey Bowls
These flavorful turkey bowls are perfect for busy weeknights and make wonderful leftovers for lunch the next day.

Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
This simple salsa chicken is a flavorful meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.

Simple One Pan Chicken and Potatoes
This comforting one pan meal is a classic favorite because it is easy to make and even easier to clean up.