Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible combination of tender, juicy Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a true delight, blending the richness of roasted chicken with a tantalizing creamy green sauce that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a showstopping meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
Inspired by the bold flavors of Mexican and Latin American cuisines, this Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce boasts a unique and captivating blend of spices, herbs, and tangy citrus notes. The creamy green sauce, made with a delightful mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, and fresh herbs, serves as the perfect accompaniment to the juicy, flavorful chicken. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to a whole new world of deliciousness.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for the Flavorful Marinade and Creamy Green Sauce
The key to creating the perfect Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce lies in the carefully curated ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Creamy Green Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
The Marinade Magic: Unlocking Flavor and Tenderness
The secret to succulent, flavorful Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce lies in the marinade. By allowing the chicken to soak up the blend of spices, herbs, and citrus, you’ll create a flavor-packed foundation that will elevate the dish to new heights.
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor absorption. The longer the chicken marinates, the more the flavors will permeate the meat, resulting in a truly outstanding dish.
Cooking the Chicken to Perfection
With the chicken marinated and ready to go, it’s time to bring this dish to life. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Keep an eye on the chicken during the cooking process, basting it occasionally with the flavorful marinade. This will ensure the meat remains juicy and the skin achieves that coveted crispiness. For added convenience, you can also opt to grill or air-fry the chicken for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
The Creamy Green Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
While the chicken is roasting, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the Creamy Green Sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting the heat level by adding more or less jalapeño as desired.
The Creamy Green Sauce is a true flavor explosion, blending the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream with the vibrant freshness of the herbs and the subtle heat of the jalapeños. This versatile sauce can be used not only as a dip or drizzle for the chicken but also as a topping for tacos, burritos, or even as a dressing for salads.
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas
The Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce is a wonderfully versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice, roasted or grilled vegetables, or a fresh, crisp salad to create a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
For a heartier option, try serving the chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower. The creamy green sauce will soak into the potatoes, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor profile.
This dish also lends itself well to meal prepping. Simply roast the chicken, prepare the sauce, and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and drizzle the sauce over the top. The convenience of this make-ahead option makes Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal-prep enthusiasts.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce
- Baked Chicken Thighs with Herb Butter
- Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Bowl with Creamy Dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for the creamy green sauce?
The ingredients for the creamy green sauce include mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
Can I use a different type of chicken cut for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different type of chicken cut for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work well. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly based on the size and thickness of the chicken cuts.
How long does it take to cook the chicken with the sauce?
The chicken takes 35-45 minutes to roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The creamy green sauce can be prepared while the chicken is cooking, and it comes together quickly in a blender or food processor.
What sides pair well with chicken in creamy green sauce?
Some excellent side dish options for Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce include fluffy white rice, roasted or grilled vegetables, fresh salads, mashed potatoes, and buttery garlic mashed cauliflower. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments.
Get ready to indulge in the bold, flavorful world of Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. This dish is sure to become a new favorite, impressing both your family and your guests with its mouthwatering combination of tender chicken and irresistible creamy sauce. Dive in and savor every bite of this culinary delight!
Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!
PrintDiscover the Joy of Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce Today!
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible combination of tender, juicy Chicken with Creamy Green Sauce. This vibrant and flavorful dish is a true delight, blending the richness of roasted chicken with a tantalizing creamy green sauce that will leave you craving more.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and drumsticks, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor absorption.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Roast the chicken for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
3. While the chicken is roasting, prepare the Creamy Green Sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, roasted or grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. It can also be served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic mashed cauliflower.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy green sauce, marinade