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Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce: A Zesty Delight

This Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a flavorful one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5-2 pounds Chicken Any cut works, but boneless thighs are recommended for juiciness.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced; garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice or White Vinegar Provides acidity for tenderizing chicken; substitute with apple cider vinegar if necessary.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Choice of olive oil or vegetable oil works wonderfully.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin Offers warmth and earthiness; ground coriander can substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Provides essential smokiness; regular paprika can work.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Enhances flavors and overall taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground adds a touch of heat.
For the Green Sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves The main star for the green sauce, adding freshness.
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise The creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative.
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream Adds luscious creaminess; yogurt can serve as a tangy substitute.
  • 2 whole Jalapeño Chiles Roughly chopped; omit seeds for milder sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Necessary fat for blending; any neutral oil can work.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice Brightens the flavor profile of the green sauce.
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice Serves as the dish's comforting base.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or Oil Essential for sautéing rice.
  • 1/4 cup Onion Diced; adds a hint of sweetness.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced; a flavor base for the rice.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Provides color and subtle flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Cooking liquid for the rice.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Adds nutrition and a pop of color.

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Grill or Oven
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine minced garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reserve a portion of the marinade, coat the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until clear, then soak for 15 minutes. Heat butter over medium, sauté onion and minced garlic until translucent. Stir in rice, turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper; toast for a minute before adding chicken stock. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Cook the Rice with Peas: Remove from heat after 15 minutes but keep covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Gently fold in frozen peas, fluff rice with a fork.
  4. Cook the Chicken: For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F. For baking, preheat oven to 450°F and arrange chicken on a lined sheet pan. Bake for 30 minutes, brushing with marinade halfway.
  5. Make the Creamy Green Sauce: Blend cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, remaining garlic, olive oil, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve the Dish: Spoon fluffy rice onto plates, lay grilled or baked chicken on top, and drizzle the creamy green sauce generously.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, overnight for best results. Store leftovers in separate containers for up to 4 days.

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