Peruvian Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 5 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Black pepper to taste

Green Sauce:

• 3 jalapeños (seeded, ribs removed, and roughly chopped)
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 2 green onions (chopped, green parts only)
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Chicken:

1. Prepare Marinade: Puree the garlic, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of black pepper in a blender until smooth.
2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large Ziploc bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.
3. Grill Chicken:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 350°F).
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess marinade.
   • Place the chicken on the grill grates and cook for 5-6 minutes with the grill cover closed.
   • Use tongs to flip the chicken thighs and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Alternative Oven Method:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F.
2. Bake Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a 13x9 inch roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water to the pan. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then tent the pan with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Green Sauce:

1. Blend Ingredients: Combine the jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.
2. Add Olive Oil: With the blender motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is well combined.
3. Chill Sauce: Transfer the green sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve

• Serve the grilled or baked chicken with the green sauce on the side. Enjoy!

This recipe should make for a flavorful and satisfying meal!