Peruvian-Style Drumsticks with Spicy Green Sauce

These Peruvian-style drumsticks, infused with smoky and zesty flavors, are perfectly complemented by a creamy, spicy green sauce. The vibrant green sauce, made with fresh cilantro and a touch of heat from jalapeños, offers the ideal balance to the savory roasted chicken.

Not only does this dish come together in less than an hour, but it also offers a wonderful combination of flavors that are perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep. The heat from the sauce is adjustable, so you can make it as mild or spicy as you prefer. Serve these drumsticks with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

8 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)

2 jalapeños, seeds removed (for sauce)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro (for sauce)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (for sauce)

1 tablespoon white vinegar (for sauce)
2 cloves garlic (for sauce)
Salt to taste (for sauce)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, combine cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the drumsticks and sear on all sides for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is baking, prepare the spicy green sauce. In a food processor, combine jalapeños, cilantro, mayonnaise, white vinegar, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste.
Once the drumsticks are done, drizzle the spicy green sauce over the chicken and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 315 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

The roots of Peruvian cuisine are deeply intertwined with the country’s diverse geography and rich history, which includes indigenous traditions as well as influences from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Peruvian-Style Drumsticks, like many other iconic dishes from the region, showcase the country’s ability to balance vibrant flavors and heat. While chicken itself is a common protein throughout Peru, the distinct Peruvian touch often comes from the unique marinades and sauces used in the cooking process, such as the famous aji verde—a spicy green sauce made with cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and lime.

The use of chili peppers, particularly the aji amarillo, is a defining characteristic of Peruvian cuisine. Though the exact origins of the green sauce may not be traced to a single dish or moment in history, it has become a staple, often paired with roasted meats or grilled vegetables. The combination of heat, herbaceous cilantro, and creamy elements in the sauce offers a taste of Peruvian culinary traditions, which meld indigenous Andean flavors with Spanish, African, and Asian influences.

In many households across Peru, meals are served with such sauces to heighten the flavors of simple grilled meats, making them a beloved part of the country’s food culture.

Variations and Adaptations

While the basic concept of this recipe remains consistent, there are many ways to adapt the Peruvian-style drumsticks to suit different tastes and regional preferences.

Heat Level Adjustments: Depending on where you are in Peru, the heat level of the green sauce can vary greatly. In some regions, the sauce is made with milder peppers, while others opt for a stronger, spicier bite by adding more jalapeños or even the infamous aji amarillo pepper, which has a distinct heat and flavor.
Different Proteins: Although drumsticks are the most common protein used for this dish, it can easily be adapted to include other cuts of chicken such as thighs or wings. You can even swap the chicken for other meats like pork or beef, depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
Herb Variations: While cilantro is the primary herb used in the sauce, variations of the recipe may incorporate parsley or mint for a different twist. Some regions of Peru also add a hint of chicha de jora, a fermented corn beverage, to add depth to the flavor profile.

Grilled vs. Baked: While this recipe calls for oven-baked chicken, grilling the drumsticks over an open flame is another common method in Peru. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that enhances the crispy skin and juicy meat.
Vegan or Vegetarian Version: For a plant-based adaptation, try swapping out the chicken for roasted vegetables such as cauliflower or even plant-based protein options. The spicy green sauce pairs beautifully with these alternatives, making it a versatile dish for all diets.

Nutritional Information

Peruvian-Style Drumsticks with Spicy Green Sauce provide a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and essential micronutrients, making them a delicious and nutritious meal option.

Calories: A serving of 2 drumsticks with sauce typically provides around 315 kcal. This makes it a relatively light but satisfying choice for a main meal.
Protein: Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein. Each serving offers about 25-30 grams of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Fats: The dish contains a moderate amount of fat, mostly from the olive oil used to cook the chicken and the mayonnaise in the green sauce. This amounts to approximately 20 grams of fat per serving, with most of it being heart-healthy monounsaturated fat from the olive oil.
Carbohydrates: The chicken itself contains very few carbs, making it an excellent option for those following low-carb or keto diets. The green sauce contains a small amount of carbs from ingredients like garlic, lime, and jalapeños, which are negligible in terms of their impact on overall carb intake.
Vitamins and Minerals: The cilantro and lime in the sauce provide a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health. Jalapeños also provide capsaicin, a compound known for its antioxidant properties. Additionally, the chicken offers B-vitamins such as niacin and B6, important for energy metabolism and nervous system health.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This dish is a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The spicy Peruvian-style drumsticks pair wonderfully with:

Side Dishes: Serve alongside traditional Peruvian sides like arroz con papas (rice with potatoes) or quinoa salad for a nutritious and hearty meal. You can also pair the dish with a side of roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes or asparagus to add a touch of sweetness to complement the heat of the sauce.

Salads: A refreshing green salad with tomatoes, cucumber, and a light citrus vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce. You can even add sliced avocado to provide a creamy texture.
Bread: For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread or Peruvian-style corn bread (pan de maíz). The bread will help balance the spiciness of the green sauce and provide a satisfying contrast in texture.
Beverage Pairings: Pair this dish with a light beer, such as a crisp lager, or a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chardonnay, to balance out the heat. For a non-alcoholic option, a tangy fresh limeade or coconut water would complement the vibrant flavors of the meal.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Perfecting the Green Sauce: The consistency of the green sauce is key. If it’s too thick, add a bit of water or extra lime juice to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can increase the mayonnaise or add some avocado for creaminess.
Achieving Crispy Skin: For perfectly crispy skin, make sure to sear the chicken drumsticks in a hot pan before transferring them to the oven. This step helps render the fat and crisp up the skin, creating that desirable golden-brown texture.
Resting the Chicken: After baking the drumsticks, let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.

Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or use a less spicy pepper variety. You can also add more cilantro to balance the heat with a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Potential Health Benefits

This recipe offers several potential health benefits due to the ingredients used. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. The green sauce, loaded with cilantro, garlic, and lime, also offers some antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and promote digestion. The capsaicin found in jalapeños has been linked to various health benefits, including boosting metabolism and promoting weight loss.

Additionally, the olive oil used in this dish is a heart-healthy fat that can help improve cholesterol levels. The high vitamin C content from lime and cilantro can support the immune system and skin health, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.

Conclusion

Peruvian-Style Drumsticks with Spicy Green Sauce offer an irresistible combination of flavors that bring a taste of Peru to your table. With its crispy chicken, tangy green sauce, and adaptable variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine while still enjoying a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious meal. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be delighted by the bold flavors and the satisfying comfort it brings to the table.