Description
This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in garlic, lime, and warming spices, then grilled to perfection. Served with a bright, creamy green sauce made with fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and mayo. The sauce is absolutely addictive and works on everything from fries to vegetables to rice.
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN:
4 lbs chicken (whole cut into parts or thighs and drumsticks)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE CREAMY GREEN SAUCE:
1 cup fresh cilantro
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic
½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
FOR THE FRIES (OPTIONAL):
3 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
3 tablespoons avocado oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat. In a large bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade all over every piece of chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better.
2. Wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly. Add it to your blender or food processor along with the seeded jalapeño, garlic, mayonnaise, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. For the fries: Wash and peel the potatoes if desired, then cut them into even-sized fries. Toss with avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down if it has skin, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
5. Arrange the grilled chicken on a platter with the crispy fries on the side. Drizzle some of the green sauce over the chicken and serve the rest in a bowl for dipping.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts. Drumsticks work great too. Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the spices stick better.
Fresh cilantro is key for the green sauce. Wash it really well to get rid of any grit. If you’re not a cilantro fan, parsley works as a milder substitute.
Greek yogurt can replace the mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier sauce.
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Let the chicken rest after grilling so juices redistribute.
Make extra green sauce because everyone will want more.
Store leftover chicken and sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian, Latin American
Nutrition
- Calories: 782
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 215mg