Name: Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
Prep time: PT-484676H53M8S
Cook time: PT-484676H53M8S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken (any cut, boneless or skin-on); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 2 tbsp oil; Juice of 1 lime; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less spice); 1 clove garlic; 1 tbsp oil; Juice of 1 lime; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 shallot or 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups chicken stock

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Chicken: The marinated chicken is tender and bursting with smoky, earthy spices.
Creamy Green Sauce: The cilantro-based green sauce adds a refreshing and tangy element to the dish.
Perfectly Seasoned Rice: The rice is seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and chicken stock, giving it an amazing depth of flavor.
Versatile: You can use a variety of chicken cuts and serve the dish with either rice or roasted potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 pounds chicken (any cut, boneless or skin-on)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Green Sauce (Ají Verde):

1 cup fresh cilantro
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 jalapeños (seeds removed for less spice)
1 clove garlic
1 tbsp oil
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peruvian Yellow Rice:

1 cup jasmine rice
1 shallot or 1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups chicken stock

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: Mix the chicken marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake for 30 minutes, basting halfway with the reserved marinade.
Prepare the Rice:
- Wash the rice until the water runs clear, then soak it for 10-15 minutes.
- Sauté shallot and garlic in butter until soft. Add the rice and spices, and stir for 1 minute.
- Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook covered for 15 minutes. Stir in peas and let rest.
Make the Green Sauce: Blend all the green sauce ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Plate the rice, top with chicken, and drizzle with the green sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes for marinating, 40-45 minutes for cooking
Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)

Variations

Chicken: You can use skin-on chicken thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or even a whole chicken cut into pieces.
Rice Substitutes: Instead of rice, serve with roasted potatoes or a side of vegetables for a different twist.
Spicy Green Sauce: Add more jalapeños for extra heat if you like a spicier sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken, rice, and green sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken and rice will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, and the green sauce can last up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and rice in the oven or microwave. Reheat the green sauce gently to avoid curdling.

FAQs

Why is Peruvian Chicken so good?

The combination of marinated chicken, seasoned rice, and tangy green sauce offers a perfect balance of flavors. The spices and fresh ingredients make it irresistible.

What is Peruvian green sauce made of?

Ají verde is a cilantro-based sauce with garlic, jalapeños, lime juice, and mayonnaise or sour cream, offering a creamy and spicy kick.

Can I make this meal ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can marinate ahead of time, and the rice and green sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge.

What other sides go well with this dish?

Roasted potatoes or a light salad would be perfect complements to the main dish.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time depending on the cut.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, jasmine rice works best for this recipe, but you can also use basmati or Latin parboiled rice.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the green sauce?

You can control the heat by removing the jalapeño seeds or using fewer peppers.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I make the green sauce without mayo?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier version of the sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.

Conclusion

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you grill or bake the chicken, the combination of tender meat, seasoned rice, and creamy green sauce delivers an unforgettable meal. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe brings authentic Peruvian flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort.