Grilled Peruvian Chicken
If you’re in a chicken-for-dinner rut and looking for a way to mix things up, this grilled Peruvian chicken with green sauce is just what you need. It’s bold, bright, and full of flavor—but still totally doable on a weeknight. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the vibrant green sauce takes this dish over the top.
Traditionally made with ají amarillo peppers, the sauce gets its signature color and kick from Peruvian yellow chili paste. But because those peppers can be hard to find (and a little spicy and pricey), I’ve created a more budget-friendly and kid-approved version using mild green chilies or Hatch peppers. You still get that punch of flavor—just without the heat.
Serve this grilled chicken with cilantro lime rice and a veggie like garlic zucchini, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels special, exciting, and totally fresh. It’s a great way to introduce your family to the bold, vibrant flavors of Peru—right from your backyard grill.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Big flavor, simple ingredients – The marinade and sauce are easy to make with ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Kid-Friendly spice level – Mild green chilies keep the flavor without overwhelming heat.
- Great for weeknights – Quick marinating time and fast cooking on the grill.
- A fun way to explore Peruvian flavors – An easy intro to a new cuisine without extra stress.
Discover Your Next Culinary Adventure
Love firing up the grill? Here are a few more globally inspired grilling recipes that are packed with flavor and perfect for warm-weather dinners:
- Huli Huli Chicken – A sweet and savory Hawaiian-style grilled chicken that’s sticky, juicy, and full of island flavor.
- Grilled Tandoori Chicken – A bold, spiced Indian-inspired dish with a yogurt marinade that makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Greek Grilled Chicken Skewers – Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, these skewers are perfect with pita and tzatziki on the side.
Each one brings something new to the table while keeping things simple, flavorful, and totally family-friendly.
How to make this grilled chicken with green sauce
This grilled chicken recipe is so simple to make. Here is a brief overview, but for hte full set of written directions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step One: Make the marinade.
In a shallow dish, combine the marinade together. Trim any excess fat off the chicken and toss in the marinade until well coated. Set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step Two: Make the green sauce.
In a blender, combine the sauce ingredients and puree until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and lime juice as needed. If the sauce is too spicy, you can add more sour cream or lime juice, or even a touch of honey to help cut the heat.
Step Three: Grill the chicken.
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until an internal temperature probe reaches 165 F. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before enjoying. Serve with the sauce on the side for dipping.
How Kids Can Help in the Kitchen
This recipe is perfect for little helpers to get hands-on in the kitchen. Here are a few ways kids can get involved:
- Measuring ingredients for the marinade – Let them help whisk it all together.
- Tear cilantro leaves – Great for fine motor practice and a fun sensory activity.
- Blend the sauce – Older kids can press the button on the food processor or blender (with supervision).
- Brush marinade on chicken – A simple way to help and feel ownership of the meal.
Getting your kids involved helps them feel invested, and they’re much more likely to try the final dish—even if it’s full of new flavors!
Make it a meal
Pair this Grilled Peruvian Chicken with:
- Cilantro Lime Rice – Bright and herby, a perfect match for the green sauce.
- Grilled Zucchini or Bell Peppers – Quick to prep and easy to toss on the grill.
- Tostones or Roasted Sweet Potatoes – For a crispy, salty side with fun textures.
It’s a great meal for building plates with different textures and tastes—great for developing food confidence in kids.
Conversation starters for curious eaters
This recipe is a great opportunity to talk with your kids about flavor, culture, and creativity in the kitchen. Try one or two of these prompts while you eat:
- “What does the green sauce smell like before and after we blend it?”
- “How is this grilled chicken different from other grilled chicken we’ve had?”
- “Can you taste the citrus or the herbs in the marinade?”
- “What part of this meal do you like best—the chicken, the rice, or the sauce?”
- “If you were going to make your own version of this, what would you change or add?”
These questions turn dinner into a little adventure—and help build confidence and food awareness in a low-pressure way.
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Grilled Peruvian Chicken
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Green Sauce:
- 1 cup cilantro
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons mild green chilies
- 1 Tablespoon lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
Instructions
Marinade the chicken:
- In a shallow container, mix together the ingredients for the marinade.4 garlic cloves, 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, 1 Tablespoon honey, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken.2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Toss the chicken in the marinade. Let it sit while you prepare the sauce.
Make the sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the ingredients for the sauce.1 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 Tablespoons mild green chilies, 1 Tablespoon lime juice, 1 garlic clove
- Blend until smooth.
- Set aside while you cook the chicken.
Grill the chicken:
- Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F, about 5-6 minutes per side.
- Serve the chicken with the green sauce.
Wow! This was so so delicious! Even my kid who doesn’t like chicken devoured it! Super flavorful and easy to make! Everyone said we need to make it again asap and my husband lamented we didn’t make a double recipe!