Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Peruvian Garlic Lime Chicken is packed with bold, zesty flavors and a smoky, crispy finish. Marinated in a tangy garlic-lime sauce and grilled to perfection, this dish delivers juicy, tender chicken with every bite. Topped with a vibrant green sauce, it’s a flavorful and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights, cookouts, or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
- Garlic (minced)
- Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Green Sauce (Ají Verde)
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño (seeded for less heat, or keep seeds for spicier)
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Coat the chicken thighs with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Cook the Chicken
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.
Make the Green Sauce
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, blend cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve
- Plate & Drizzle: Serve the grilled chicken with the green sauce on the side or drizzled on top. Pair with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce.
- Citrusy Twist: Add orange juice to the marinade for a slightly sweeter tang.
- Boneless Option: Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a quicker cook time.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt or avocado instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight is best for deeper flavor.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, then broil for crispiness.
What can I serve with this chicken?
Try it with rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh avocado salad.
Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
Serve with cauliflower rice or a low-carb salad.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
How do I get crispy skin on the chicken?
Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking or sear on the grill for extra crispiness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Absolutely! It works great with pork, shrimp, or even tofu.
Conclusion
Peruvian Garlic Lime Chicken is a bold, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with smoky, citrusy goodness. The zesty marinade, paired with a creamy, herby green sauce, makes this meal a standout for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides, customize it to your taste, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal bursting with South American flavors!
Print
Peruvian Garlic Lime Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Peruvian Garlic Lime Chicken features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a bold and zesty garlic-lime sauce, then grilled to golden perfection. Served with a vibrant green sauce, this flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Green Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together garlic, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
- Prepare the Green Sauce: Blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed and chill until ready to serve.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with the green sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- For an oven-baked version, roast the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 30–35 minutes.
- Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness.
- Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
