Peruvian Grilled Chicken: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Try

Q: Is this dish super spicy?

It has a kick , thanks to the jalapeños in the sauce, but it’s not mouth-on-fire hot. You can always dial it down by using fewer jalapeños or adding a touch of honey to balance the heat.

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving bold, zesty flavors and need a dinner that actually makes your family pause mid-bite to say, “Wow!”—this Peruvian Grilled Chicken is your next weeknight hero. With roots in vibrant Peruvian food traditions and a superpower green sauce that’s creamy, spicy, and totally addictive, this dish brings restaurant-level magic straight to your backyard grill or stovetop skillet.

And can we talk about how it checks all the boxes? Quick. Easy. Crowd-pleasing. Plus, it’s made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs—meaning juicy results with minimal effort. Whether you’re juggling work, picky eaters, or just the endless “What’s for dinner?” question (we’ve all been there), this is your flavorful escape.

Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Grilled Chicken

Let’s break it down:

Flavor-packed: Thanks to garlic, lime, cumin, and a hint of soy, every bite is savory with a citrusy pop.
Fast and fuss-free: Marinade in the morning, grill in the evening.
That green sauce, though: Creamy, spicy, tangy—it’s basically the Beyoncé of condiments.
Perfect for meal prep: Make extra and transform it into tacos, salads, or wraps all week long.

Honestly, this dish became a regular at my house after my husband declared it was “the best chicken I’ve ever had”—and he’s not usually one for dramatic proclamations!

How to Make Peruvian Grilled Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Blend That Marinade

In a food processor or blender, combine garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a good shake of black pepper. Blend until smooth.

Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Toss to coat and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (but overnight is even better—think: flavor explosion).

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill (Or Your Trusty Skillet)

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (or heat a large skillet with a touch of oil if cooking indoors). Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 5–6 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through. Internal temp should hit 165°F.

Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all that juicy goodness locked in.

Step 3: Make the Green Sauce Magic

In the same blender (no need to wash, yay for fewer dishes), toss in jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayo, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt or spice as needed.

Trust me: you’ll want to put this on everything—chicken, roasted veggies, sandwiches, your finger…

Aneta’s Quick Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken

Don’t skip the marinating time. Even 2 hours makes a world of difference.
No grill? No problem! Use a cast-iron pan for those crispy edges and charred flavor.
Go bold with sides. Think roasted sweet potatoes, a crisp cabbage slaw, or fluffy rice to soak up that green sauce.
Leftovers = gold. Chop it up for tacos, grain bowls, or tomorrow’s lunch wrap.

Peruvian Grilled Chicken skewers topped with green sauce and served with lime

A Little Story from My Kitchen…

I first tried a version of this Peruvian Chicken at a local street food festival (shout out to the guy working the smoky grill in 90°F heat!). I knew I had to recreate it at home—especially once I discovered the green sauce. It was the kind of flavor that made you stop mid-scroll and just eat in the moment. And now, it’s a go-to anytime I want to impress without stressing.

FAQs About Peruvian Grilled Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cook time slightly, as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Consider pounding them to an even thickness.

Is this dish super spicy?

It has a kick, thanks to the jalapeños in the sauce, but it’s not mouth-on-fire hot. You can always dial it down by using fewer jalapeños or adding a touch of honey to balance the heat.

How do I store leftovers?

Store grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The green sauce keeps well for 3–4 days too—if it lasts that long!

What are the characteristics of Peruvian chicken?

Great question! Peruvian chicken is known for its bold, vibrant marinade that blends garlic, lime, cumin, paprika, and often a splash of soy sauce. It’s juicy, smoky, and layered with flavor from the first bite to the last. And let’s not forget the creamy, spicy green sauce—it’s practically a national treasure.

How do you know if chicken is grilled enough?

The best way? A meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temp of 165°F. But if you don’t have one, no worries—just slice into the thickest part. If the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, you’re golden. Also, a nice char on the outside is a good sign of grilled perfection.

What should I serve with Peruvian grilled chicken?

Oh, so many tasty options! It pairs beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or a tangy slaw. Want to go lighter? Try it with a crisp side salad or grilled veggies. And don’t forget extra green sauce for dipping!

Conclusion

So the next time you’re staring at a pack of chicken thighs and wondering what magic to whip up, let this Peruvian Grilled Chicken recipe save the day. It’s flavorful, fun, and just the kind of dish that’ll make your family think you’ve secretly enrolled in culinary school.

Let’s keep cooking, laughing, and sharing at Chicken Magic Recipes—one juicy bite at a time. 💛

Explore More Flavorful Chicken Favorites

Looking for more ways to bring excitement to your weekly chicken lineup? If this Peruvian Grilled Chicken had your taste buds dancing, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these other bold and delicious recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for Mediterranean flair, smoky grilled goodness, or something rich and comforting, here are a few dishes that pair beautifully or stand strong on their own. Dive into these reader-favorite meals and keep the flavor party going:

Add a zesty twist to your summer meals with this Mediterranean Chicken Pasta Salad—a refreshing, protein-packed side or main dish that’s perfect for cookouts or meal prep.
Love grilled chicken with a bold twist? You’ll adore this Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts recipe, full of smoky, juicy goodness.
For a cozy, satisfying weeknight dinner, try this hearty and comforting Chicken and Dressing Casserole—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Or fire things up with these juicy Jerk Chicken and Mango Slaw Bowls with Honey Lime Cream—a vibrant, spicy-sweet combo that echoes the exciting flavors of Peruvian food.

These recipes are perfect to bookmark for your next meal plan rotation—each one brings its own magic to the table!