Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the avocado oil, tamari, lime juice and zest, grated garlic, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor).
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
- Roast chicken for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the reserved marinade over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove chicken from oven, baste with simmered marinade, sprinkle with extra salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
- Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until golden brown, crispy on edges, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For the rice: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add jasmine rice to the butter and onions. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- For the green sauce: Combine cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, Greek yogurt, scallions, honey, lime juice and zest, and salt in a blender.
- Blend on high while slowly drizzling in olive oil until silky smooth and emulsified.
- Serve roasted chicken over butter rice and drizzle generously with green sauce.
Notes
Storage: Store chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Reheat chicken in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness.
Substitutions: Use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt for more traditional aji verde. Chicken breast works but requires reduced cooking time (25-30 minutes).
Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deepest flavor. Green sauce can be made 1 day ahead.
Serving: Best served immediately while chicken is crispy. Sauce may darken slightly when stored but flavor remains excellent.
