Flavorful Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

The aroma of Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce wafts through the air, promising a fiesta for your taste buds. Picture tender chicken, marinated to perfection, nestled on a bed of fluffy rice and topped with a vibrant green sauce that dances with flavor. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Peru.

Growing up, my family would gather around the table for special occasions, and this dish was always the star. The laughter, stories, and the smell of this incredible meal brought us together, making every bite a cherished memory. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce never fails to impress.

I remember the first time I served this to my friends; they were hooked after just one bite!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many guests you’re serving.

• Long-Grain Rice: A staple in this recipe; choose high-quality rice for better texture.

• Fresh Cilantro: This gives our green sauce its bright flavor; make sure it’s fresh and fragrant.

• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the sauce’s tanginess; bottled just won’t cut it.

• Garlic Cloves: Opt for firm cloves to pack a punch in flavor; more garlic equals more yum.

• Green Chili Peppers: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot peppers depending on your spice tolerance.

• Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the rice; homemade or store-bought works well.

• Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps in marinating and cooking the chicken perfectly.

• Cumin and Paprika: These spices bring warmth and color to your chicken; don’t skip them!

For the Sauce:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Choose one for creaminess in your sauce; both work wonders in balancing flavors.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning components; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly with this marinade and let it soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice: In a saucepan over medium heat, add some olive oil and toast your long-grain rice until golden brown. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil before reducing heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer until tender—about 15-20 minutes.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your marinated chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—around 6-7 minutes per side should do it. The aroma will have you drooling!

Create the Green Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh cilantro leaves, green chili peppers (seeds removed if preferred), sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.

Plate It Up: Fluff your cooked rice with a fork before spooning it onto plates. Lay the seared chicken on top and generously drizzle with your vibrant green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish that is sure to become a favorite among family and friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor, then sauté the rice while the chicken cooks. This way, everything comes together flawlessly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or use quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist. Experiment with herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low stovetop heat, adding a splash of water if needed to restore moisture.

The first time I made this dish, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They even asked me to start a cooking class, which led to many hilarious kitchen adventures!

FAQ

What’s the best chicken cut for this recipe?

Using boneless thighs gives you juicy results without drying out during cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.

How can I enhance the green sauce flavor?

Add lime juice or extra garlic to the green sauce for a zesty kick that brightens everything up!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Peruvian cuisine. Tender, marinated chicken rests on a bed of fluffy long-grain rice, all topped with a zesty green sauce made from fresh cilantro and lime. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, bringing everyone together with its delightful aroma and taste.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 green chili peppers (seeds removed)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast with the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice in olive oil until golden brown. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Blend cilantro leaves, green chili peppers, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Fluff cooked rice with a fork. Plate the rice topped with seared chicken and drizzle generously with green sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 43g
• Cholesterol: 100mg