Peruvian Green Sauce Chicken Thighs

Smoky cumin-lime chicken thighs are seared, oven-finished, and served with WA-summer green beans, sweet corn, Walla Walla onion, and a quick Peruvian-style cilantro sauce.

Ingredients

  • Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken Thighs Value Pack
    1 lb $2.79
  • Fresh Green Beans
    8 oz, trimmed $2.19
  • Fresh Sweet Corn on the Cob-Each
    2 ears, kernels cut off $0.50
  • Private Selection® Walla Walla Sweet Onions
    1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced $3.29
  • Organic Cilantro
    1/2 bunch $1.69
  • Fresh Organic Limes - Each
    1 lime, juiced $1.29
  • Fresh Jalapeno Peppers
    1 small jalapeño $1.99
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Olive oil
    2 tablespoons, divided
  • Mayonnaise
    2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika
    1 teaspoon
  • Dried oregano
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt and black pepper
    to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Trim the green beans, cut the corn kernels from the cobs, thinly slice the Walla Walla onion, mince 1 garlic clove, and pat the chicken thighs very dry.
  2. Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and half of the lime juice, rubbing the spices all over the thighs.
  3. Make the cilantro sauce by blending or finely chopping the cilantro, jalapeño, remaining garlic clove, mayonnaise, remaining lime juice, 1 tablespoon water, and a pinch of salt until spoonable; refrigerate while the chicken cooks.
  4. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down or smooth-side down for 5 minutes, then flip and sear 2 minutes more.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, about 15–22 minutes depending on thigh size. Rest the chicken on a plate for 5 minutes.
  6. While the chicken rests, place the same skillet back on the stove over medium heat, leaving about 1 tablespoon drippings in the pan. Add the onion and cook 2 minutes, then add green beans, corn, minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water; sauté 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender and lightly glossy.
  7. Plate the green bean-corn sauté, top with the sear-roasted chicken thighs, spoon the cilantro sauce over the chicken, and serve with extra sauce on the side.

Total time: 45 minutes

Estimated cost: $8–$12 using listed ingredients, plus pantry staples

Health notes: About 600 calories per serving with high protein, moderate carbs from corn, and a generous serving of vegetables.

Drink pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc works well with the lime, cilantro, and gentle jalapeño heat.