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Peruvian Chicken and Quinoa with Spicy Green Sauce Recipe

Peruvian Chicken and Quinoa with Spicy Green Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Peruvian Chicken and Quinoa with Spicy Green Sauce recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines marinated grilled chicken, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty green sauce. It’s a perfect balance of protein, whole grains, and fresh herbs for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing
  • Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg