Name: Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Vibrant Green Sauce
Prep time: 1445 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1480 min
Ingredients: 2 Lbs Ground chicken; 5 Cloves Garlic (peeled); 1/3 Cup Soy sauce; 2 Tbsp Lime Juice; 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; 3 Tsp Cumin (divided); 2 Tsp Spanish Paprika (divided); 2 Tsp Oregano (divided); 1/2 Bunch Cilantro (rough chopped); 2 Whole Jalapenos (seeded); 2 Cloves Garlic (peeled); 1/2 Cup Homemade mayo; 1/4 Cup Sour cream; 1/2 Whole Lime (juiced); 1/2 Bunch Cilantro and stems (rough chop); 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; 1 Tsp Salt; 1/2 Tsp Ground black pepper

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When it comes to culinary inspiration, the classics are a great place to start. My last post was my Peruvian chicken. I loved it so much that I wanted to recreate its smoky, spiced flavor and addictive green sauce (aji verde). But what if we took that cherished classic and gave it a modern twist? Enter my Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Vibrant Green Sauce—a playful, bite-sized take on the traditional dish that’s as delicious as it is fun to make.

Jump to Recipe

Reinventing the Classics

One of the joys of cooking is reimagining dishes in new and exciting ways. With these meatballs, I’ve preserved the essence of Peruvian chicken—the bold spices, the herbaceous vibrancy, the flavor—and transformed it into a dish that’s versatile, approachable, and perfect for entertaining. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs pack all the punch of the original in same amount of the time.

Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Green Sauce chicken | glutenfree | Peruvianrecipe | meatballs

Herb-Forward and Healthy

This dish isn’t just about flavor; it’s also a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. The meatballs are infused with garlic, cumin, spanish paprika, and oregano, while finely chopped fresh cilantro and/or parsley add a herbaceous brightness. The star of the show, the green sauce, is a creamy blend of herbs, jalapeños, garlic, and lime juice, giving it a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.

Beyond taste, this recipe is packed with nutrients. Lean ground chicken serves as the base, offering a lighter protein option that’s lower in fat without compromising on flavor. Paired with the sauce, which is loaded with antioxidants from the herbs and lime, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These Peruvian Chicken Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Hosting a dinner party? Serve them as an appetizer with a lot of green sauce for dipping. Looking for a comforting meal? Plate them over rice or quinoa with a drizzle of sauce and a simple salad. Meal prepping for the week? Make a big batch, and you’ll have healthy, flavorful lunches ready to go. The possibilities are endless.

A Taste of Tradition with a Twist

These Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Vibrant Green Sauce are proof that the best things in the kitchen often happen when tradition meets innovation. The result is a dish that’s familiar yet exciting, comforting and fresh. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of Peru in a modern, healthful way. Give it a try, and let your taste buds take a trip to South America with every bite!

Meatballs formed

Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Vibrant Green Sauce

My Peruvian Chicken Meatballs with Vibrant Green Sauce is so delicious. It is as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for entertaining.

Course Appetizer, dinner, Peruvian Food

Cuisine Chicken recipe, Gluten free, healthy recipe, Peruvian Food, Peruvian Recipe

Keyword appetizer, Chicken recipes, gluten free, healthy recipes, Meatballs, Peruvian food, Peruvian recipe, vegetarian,

Prep Time 1 day 5 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 1 day 40 minutes

Servings 8 people

Author Peter

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade

2 Lbs Ground chicken
5 Cloves Garlic peeled
1/3 Cup Soy sauce
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
3 Tsp Cumin divided
2 Tsp Spanish Paprika divided
2 Tsp Oregano divided
1/2 Bunch Cilantro rough chopped

Green Sauce

2 Whole Jalapenos seeded
2 Cloves Garlic peeled
1/2 Cup Homemade mayo
1/4 Cup Sour cream
1/2 Whole Lime juiced
1/2 Bunch Cilantro and stems rough chop
2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 Tsp Salt
1/2 Tsp Ground black pepper

Instructions

Chicken Meatballs & Marinade

Begin by adding all marinade ingredients to a blender. Puree lightly. Combined the meatballs with 1/2 the spices and the cilantro. Form golf ball sized meatballs. Add the chicken meatballs to a large container and then add marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour but preferably, over night.