Zesty Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Succulent chicken sings when paired with zesty Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce, creating a culinary melody that dances across your taste buds.

Tender pieces of marinated meat mingle with fragrant rice, promising an authentic South American experience.

Bright herbs and tangy elements combine in a vibrant green sauce that electrifies every bite.

Packed with bold flavors, this dish brings the spirit of Peru directly to your kitchen.

Carefully balanced spices and fresh ingredients transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining adventure.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition and passion.

You won’t be able to resist the irresistible combination of juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned rice, and that unforgettable emerald-hued sauce.

Chicken Rice Variations With Green Sauce

• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu, marinated in similar spices for plant-based protein alternative.
• Quinoa Green Sauce Plate: Swap traditional rice with quinoa for higher protein content and gluten-free option.
• Low-Carb Chicken Lettuce Wraps: Use lettuce cups instead of rice, maintaining the green sauce and chicken flavors for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean Fusion Style: Transform recipe by adding feta cheese, olives, and swap green sauce with tzatziki for a different cultural spin.

Serve Peruvian Chicken Rice With Sides

• Tropical Fiesta Plating: Arrange the vibrant yellow rice as a golden base, then crown it with the perfectly grilled chicken. Drizzle the zesty green sauce in elegant swirls across the top for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Hearty Family-Style Serving: Transfer the rice and chicken to a large communal platter, allowing everyone to scoop their own portions. Place the green sauce in a small bowl on the side for personalized dipping and drizzling.
• Lunch Box Magic: Pack the components separately to keep the rice fluffy and chicken crisp. Include a small container of green sauce for a delicious midday meal that stays fresh and appetizing.
• Fresh Side Companion: Complement the dish with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lime juice and cilantro. The cool, tangy salad will balance the rich flavors of the chicken and creamy green sauce.

Peruvian Chicken Rice Storage

• Store cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Allow chicken and rice to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Enjoy refrigerated chicken and rice within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freeze green sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing in refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

• What makes Peruvian chicken different from other chicken dishes?

Peruvian chicken is known for its unique marinade using ingredients like cumin, garlic, and aji amarillo paste, which gives it a distinctive, bold flavor profile that sets it apart from other grilled or roasted chicken recipes.

• Is aji amarillo paste necessary for this recipe?

While aji amarillo paste is traditional and provides authentic Peruvian flavor, you can substitute with other chili pastes like jalapeño or habanero if you can’t find the specific Peruvian pepper paste.

• Can I use different types of rice for the yellow rice?

White long-grain rice works best for this recipe, but you can also use basmati or jasmine rice. Avoid brown rice as it requires different cooking times and liquid ratios.

Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce Zing

• Spice Up Your Culinary Adventure: Dive into a vibrant Peruvian-inspired dish that transforms ordinary chicken and rice into an extraordinary meal bursting with bold, zesty flavors.
• Master a Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Impress your family and friends with a gourmet-style recipe that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional kitchen, without requiring professional chef skills.
• Versatile Cooking Methods for Busy Cooks: Choose between grilling or baking the chicken, making this recipe adaptable to different cooking preferences and kitchen setups, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Customize and Elevate Your Plate: Play with the green sauce's intensity, adjust spice levels, and add personal touches to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring a delicious experience every single time.

Peruvian Chicken Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein and absorbs the marinade's rich flavors.

• Garlic, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices and seasonings that enhance the chicken's taste and create a robust flavor profile.

• White Rice: Classic grain that forms the foundation of the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and richness to the rice.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and helps soften the onions.

• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional flavor to the rice.
• Peas: Sweet vegetable that adds color and nutrition to the dish.

• Cilantro, Green Chili Peppers, Garlic, Lime Juice, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and zesty ingredients that create a vibrant and tangy sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Cooking fats used for sautéing and adding richness.

Steps To Make Peruvian Chicken Rice

Step 1: Craft Flavorful Chicken Marinade

Combine marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Scoop out a small portion for later basting.

Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the remaining marinade.

Let the chicken soak up flavors by refrigerating for at least one hour or overnight for maximum taste explosion.

• Garlic
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Station

Warm up your grill to medium-high heat or preheat the oven to 450°F.

This is the perfect moment to kick-start your rice preparation.

Step 3: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Grilling method: Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F.

Oven method: Place chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake around 30 minutes.

Brush with reserved marinade halfway through cooking to enhance moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Create Sunshine Yellow Rice

Rinse rice until water runs crystal clear.

Let rice soak for 10-15 minutes, then drain.

Sauté onions and garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.

Add rice and seasonings, stirring for one minute.

Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover.

Cook for 15 minutes.

Fold in peas, cover, and let rest 5-10 minutes.

Fluff rice with a fork before serving.

Step 5: Whip Up Vibrant Green Sauce

Blend all sauce ingredients until silky smooth and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeño
• Garlic
• Greek yogurt
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 6: Plate and Devour

Spread rice onto serving plates.

Crown with perfectly cooked chicken.

Drizzle generously with the electric green sauce.

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips For Perfect Peruvian Green Sauce

• Allow chicken to soak in marinade overnight for maximum flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
• Wash rice thoroughly until water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains.
• Adjust green sauce consistency by adding more cilantro for herbaceous flavor or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165F for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Easily swap grilling with oven baking or vice versa without compromising the dish's delicious taste profile.

Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Peruvian chicken and rice, a zesty culinary journey through South American flavors that dances with bold spices and creamy green sauce. Hearty, satisfying, and packed with authentic taste, you’ll feel transported to Peru’s vibrant kitchens with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1.5–2 pounds chicken thighs, breasts, or any cut you prefer
• 2 cups chicken stock

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Main Ingredients:

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons oil of choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 whole jalapeno chiles, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending all specified seasonings, separating 1/4 portion for later use. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with remaining mixture and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight for enhanced flavor infusion.
2. Prepare cooking equipment by heating grill to medium-high (around 400-450°F) or preheating oven. Simultaneously initiate rice preparation process.
3. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring golden exterior and juicy interior. Alternatively, bake on foil-lined pan at 450°F for approximately 30 minutes. Brush reserved marinade midway through cooking to enhance moisture and flavor.
4. Cleanse rice thoroughly until water runs transparent, then soak for 10-15 minutes. Sauté aromatic onions and garlic in butter until translucent. Incorporate rice and selected seasonings, stirring for one minute. Pour chicken stock, bring to rapid boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fold in peas, rest covered for additional 5-10 minutes, then fluff with fork before serving.
5. Create vibrant green sauce by blending all ingredients until achieving smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste preference.
6. Plate yellow rice as foundation, crown with perfectly cooked chicken, and generously drizzle signature green sauce over top.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat for richer taste.
• Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains during cooking.
• Customize green sauce heat level by adjusting jalapeño or adding extra cilantro for more freshness.
• Use leftover chicken and sauce as delicious filling for tacos, wraps, or salad topping for versatile meal options.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg