Description
This Peruvian grilled chicken features smoky char and a tangy, creamy green sauce that brightens every mouthful. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken, spatchcocked (about 1.4–1.6 kg / 3–3.5 lb) or 8 bone-in thighs
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) lime juice
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) white vinegar
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) neutral oil (canola or grapeseed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp (12 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup packed cilantro leaves (25 g)
- 1/2 cup packed parsley leaves (12 g)
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños or 1 tsp aji amarillo paste
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt (for sauce)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry; use kitchen shears to remove the backbone and press flat. Score the thicker parts of the breast with 2–3 shallow cuts.
- Whisk lime juice, white vinegar, oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and kosher salt. Rub over the chicken and marinate in the fridge for 2 hours.
- Create two heat zones on the grill — one side high, the other medium/low. Preheat for 10–15 minutes.
- Place the chicken skin-side down over direct heat. Sear for 4–6 minutes, then flip and sear the other side for 3–4 minutes. Move to indirect heat, skin-side up, and cook until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Blend cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, Greek yogurt, oil, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth for the sauce.
- Carve the rested chicken into quarters or slice breasts across the grain, spoon the sauce over, and serve with extra on the side.
Notes
Bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Avoid flare-ups by patting excess marinade off the skin.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 210mg