Peruvian Roast Chicken Green (Printable version)

Succulent spiced roast chicken served with a fresh, herby creamy green sauce from Peru.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 1 whole chicken (about 3.5–4 lbs)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
04 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
05 - 1 tablespoon white vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon paprika
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
08 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt

→ For the Creamy Green Sauce

12 - 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
13 - 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
14 - 2 cloves garlic
15 - ½ cup mayonnaise
16 - ¼ cup sour cream
17 - 2 tablespoons lime juice
18 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
19 - ½ teaspoon salt
20 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F.
02 - In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and salt to create a marinade.
03 - Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the marinade thoroughly over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
04 - Place the chicken, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes (or refrigerate up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).
05 - Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F and juices run clear.
06 - Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.
07 - Meanwhile, prepare the green sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and vibrant green.
08 - Carve the chicken and serve with the creamy green sauce on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The marinade creates incredibly juicy meat while the skin gets perfectly crispy
  • That creamy green sauce will become your new favorite condiment for everything
02 -
  • Patting the chicken completely dry before applying the marinade is the secret to crispy skin
  • The green sauce keeps for a week in the fridge and tastes even better after the flavors meld
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken while waiting for the thigh to reach 165°F
  • Roasting the chicken on a rack lets air circulate underneath for crispy skin all around