Description
A flavorful and nutritious recipe for Peruvian Chicken and Quinoa with a zesty Spicy Green Sauce. This dish combines marinated grilled chicken with fluffy quinoa and a vibrant herb-based sauce, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Peruvian Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Quinoa:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Spicy Green Sauce (Aji Verde):
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1 small jalapeño or green chili, seeded for milder heat
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Lime wedges
- Sliced radishes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, coriander, oregano, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa, chicken broth, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Spicy Green Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowl
Serve cooked quinoa in bowls. Top with sliced Peruvian chicken. Drizzle generously with spicy green sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, radish slices, and extra cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Searing, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
