Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2.2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 5 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2.2 teaspoons honey
- ½ lime, juiced
For the Green Sauce:
- 2 jalapeños, deseeded
- ½ cup cilantro
- ¼ cup green onions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cojita cheese or parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, low sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, honey, and lime juice. Whisk thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply permeate the meat.
- Make the Green Sauce: While the chicken marinates, prepare the green sauce by blending the deseeded jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, garlic, mayonnaise, cojita or parmesan cheese, and lime juice in a food processor or blender until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Serve hot with a generous drizzle or dollop of the green sauce on top for a creamy, tangy finish.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to intensify flavor.
- Adjust the number of jalapeños in the green sauce to your preferred spice level.
- The green sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If a grill is unavailable, the chicken can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or baked in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate in this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian