The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a perfect blend of spices makes this Peruvian Chicken Rice a hearty and flavorful meal. The turmeric gives it a beautiful golden color and earthy taste, while the cumin and paprika add layers of depth to each bite.
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also easy to make, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. The peas add a pop of color and sweetness, while the fresh cilantro garnish brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the spices. Whether you serve it as a complete meal or pair it with a side salad, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Just drop your email here and I’ll send it right away! Plus you’ll get new recipes from me every week. Yes please!Subscribe
Full Recipe:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat in the oil and vegetables. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cover the skillet. Cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the frozen peas and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce: A Flavorful Delight
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a dish that brings together a rich combination of flavors, perfect for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward but delivers a meal that is packed with depth and complexity. It features tender, juicy chicken served over perfectly seasoned yellow rice, all topped with a creamy, zesty green sauce called ají verde. Whether grilled or baked, the chicken is marinated with earthy spices, creating a smoky and savory taste that pairs perfectly with the delicate rice and vibrant sauce.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
What makes this dish truly stand out is the balance of flavors. The chicken is marinated in a delightful mix of cumin, paprika, garlic, lime juice, and oil, infusing it with aromatic, smoky warmth. The seasoning blends so well with the chicken, especially when grilled or baked to perfection, ensuring the meat is both juicy and full of flavor. The green sauce, ají verde, is a game-changer, adding a refreshing and spicy contrast to the rich chicken and rice. The sauce is typically made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and a creamy base of mayonnaise or sour cream, which gives it a tangy and smooth texture that ties the entire dish together.
The rice is no afterthought. Seasoned with turmeric, cumin, onion powder, and chicken stock, it is cooked to fluffy perfection, soaking up all the flavor from the spices and chicken. The addition of frozen peas not only adds texture but also a touch of sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dish. The colorful rice serves as the perfect base for the flavorful chicken, while the green sauce adds the finishing touch that makes every bite a joy.
Marinate the Chicken for Best Results
One of the keys to achieving the perfect Peruvian Chicken is allowing the meat to marinate. The longer the chicken sits in the spice blend, the more flavorful it becomes. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but for even better flavor, marinate it overnight. The marinade deeply penetrates the chicken, ensuring that each bite is juicy and well-seasoned. You can use a variety of cuts, including skinless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or even drumsticks—each choice brings its own texture and flavor to the dish.
Grilling or Baking: Choose Your Preferred Method
This recipe gives you the flexibility to choose between grilling or baking the chicken. Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor to the meat that complements the spices perfectly, while baking ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy. Either method works wonderfully, so it ultimately comes down to your personal preference or the tools you have available. If grilling, ensure that the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. If you prefer baking, simply place the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook it for around 30 minutes.
How to Serve Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is fluffy, it’s time to assemble the dish. Serve the seasoned rice as the base, then top it with the marinated chicken. Drizzle the green sauce generously over the top for that extra burst of flavor. The creamy sauce adds a cooling contrast to the heat from the chicken and spices, making every bite deliciously balanced. For an extra touch, garnish the dish with fresh cilantro to enhance the overall presentation and flavor.
This meal is as versatile as it is flavorful. While it’s traditionally served with rice, you can also try it with roasted potatoes for a different twist. The potatoes add an earthy richness that pairs nicely with the spicy chicken and vibrant sauce.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a new, exciting chicken recipe, Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a fantastic choice. The smoky chicken combined with the fragrant rice and the creamy green sauce creates a memorable meal that is both comforting and full of flavor. It’s easy to make, especially with the option to prep parts of the meal in advance. The marinated chicken can be prepped ahead of time, and the rice can be cooked just before serving, making this a great option for a family dinner or a special occasion.
The versatility of the dish makes it suitable for all types of eaters, whether you prefer chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. The green sauce can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance, and the rice can be modified to include your favorite ingredients, like roasted vegetables or different types of herbs. This recipe will soon become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, offering a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.
Conclusion
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken, fragrant yellow rice, and a creamy, zesty green sauce. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the perfect balance of spices, the versatility of the ingredients, and the option to grill or bake the chicken. This dish is ideal for any night of the week or for impressing guests at a dinner party. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time to marinate, you’ll have a meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its deliciously complex flavors and textures.
