Zesty Peruvian-Style Roasted Chicken with Green Sauce

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this zesty Peruvian-style roasted chicken recipe. Infused with a bold and aromatic marinade, this dish delivers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tanginess. Paired with a refreshing green sauce, it’s an exciting twist on classic roasted chicken that will impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike. Ideal for a special occasion or a weekend family dinner, this recipe brings the taste of Peru straight to your table.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, ribs and seeds removed, diced
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅓ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons lime zest (from 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger

For the Roast Chicken:

• 1 (4-pound) whole chicken
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Peruvian Green Sauce, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined.
2. Divide the Marinade:
   Pour ¼ of the marinade into a smaller dish for brushing the chicken. Divide the remaining marinade into two smaller dishes—one for basting during cooking and the other for serving alongside the chicken.
3. Set Up for Roasting:
   Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil. Place a metal rack over the sheet, cover it with foil, and spray it with nonstick spray.
4. Marinate the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken inside and out with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush the chicken with ¼ of the marinade, ensuring even coverage. Place the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for 8 to 48 hours to marinate.
5. Preheat and Begin Roasting:
   When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the chicken breast-side down on the prepared wire rack. Roast for 30 minutes.
6. Turn and Continue Roasting:
   After 30 minutes, carefully turn the chicken breast-side up and continue roasting for another 30 minutes. If the chicken skin becomes too brown, loosely cover it with foil sprayed with nonstick spray.
7. Finish Roasting:
   Once the cooking time is up, turn off the oven. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade, then leave it in the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F-180°F.
8. Rest the Chicken:
   Transfer the roasted chicken to a cooling rack. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
9. Serve:
   Carve the chicken, drizzle with the remaining marinade, and serve with the Peruvian Green Sauce. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Calories: Approx. 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4-6 servings

Savor the complex, tantalizing flavors of this Peruvian-style roasted chicken. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.