Cooking is like a dance, and with Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce, we’re about to waltz our way into flavor town. Picture this: juicy chicken marinated in a zesty green sauce, nestled atop a fluffy bed of rice that’s soaked up all the deliciousness. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. This dish is not just food; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
I remember the first time I tried making this dish. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I had friends coming over. I thought, “What better way to impress them than with some vibrant Peruvian flavors?” Spoiler alert: they loved it! We ended up laughing around the table while devouring every last grain of rice and morsel of chicken.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of herbs and spices that will tickle your taste buds
- Its visual appeal makes it an Instagram-worthy dish you’ll want to show off at dinner parties
- Versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family meals to elegant dinners
Sharing this dish with my friends was one of those memorable evenings where laughter and great flavors mingled together perfectly.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for generous portions; adjust based on your guest list.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; they provide the best punch in flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Use vibrant leaves for the sauce; they add freshness and color.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors wonderfully.
Olive Oil: A splash helps to marinate the chicken perfectly.
Long-Grain Rice: This type gives you fluffy grains that soak up all the sauce’s goodness.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water elevates the rice’s flavor immensely.
Spices (Cumin & Paprika): These spices introduce warmth and depth to both chicken and rice.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all other flavors beautifully.
For the Sauce:
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Choose your favorite for creaminess that balances spice perfectly.
Green Pepper (or Jalapeño): For heat lovers, this adds a fiery kick without overwhelming the dish.
Vinegar (White or Apple Cider): Just a splash brightens up the sauce beautifully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Marinating the Chicken: Start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; longer if possible for deeper flavor.
Preparing the Rice: While chicken marinates, rinse long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a pot, combine rinsed rice with chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Cooking the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—a lovely aroma will fill your kitchen!
Making the Green Sauce: In a blender, combine cilantro leaves, sour cream (or yogurt), green pepper (or jalapeño), vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth—this vibrant green sauce is so good you might want to drink it!
Cooking the Rice to Perfection: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover your pot with a lid. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed; fluff with fork afterward for that perfect texture.
Serving Up Your Creation!: Slice cooked chicken into strips or serve whole atop fluffy rice! Drizzle generously with green sauce—don’t hold back! Garnish with extra cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.
Now gather everyone around because it’s time to dig in!
This Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce will surely become a staple in your home as it has in mine!
Essential Insights
- Use fresh herbs for the green sauce, as they enhance flavor and aroma
- Marinate the chicken overnight for a juicier texture
- Don’t rush the cooking process; patience allows flavors to develop beautifully
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect Peruvian chicken and rice, start by marinating your chicken. While it soaks in flavor, prepare your rice and green sauce. This sequence maximizes flavor infusion and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap brown rice for white or use quinoa for added nutrition. Experiment with different herbs in the green sauce, like cilantro or parsley, to discover new flavor profiles.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave to preserve moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking; it ensures even cooking throughout
- Invest time in making the green sauce; it’s crucial for authentic flavor
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to elevate your dish’s profile
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their delighted faces made all the chopping worthwhile. It turned into a fun evening of laughter and compliments over that vibrant green sauce!
FAQ
What can I serve with Peruvian chicken and rice?
Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for balanced meals.
Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?
Yes, this recipe works well with pork or tofu for a vegetarian option.
How spicy is the green sauce?
The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you add; feel free to adjust accordingly!
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Peru right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty green sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy long-grain rice, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish guarantees to impress with its aromatic blend of spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 green pepper (or jalapeño)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice: Rinse long-grain rice under cold water until clear. Combine rinsed rice with chicken broth and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Green Sauce: Blend cilantro leaves, sour cream (or yogurt), green pepper (or jalapeño), vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cook the Rice: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover pot with a lid, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
- Serve: Slice cooked chicken and serve over fluffy rice drizzled generously with green sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
