Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with aromatic rice and a zesty green sauce. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of Peru to your kitchen, offering a perfect balance of savory and spicy elements. The chicken is marinated with traditional Peruvian spices and then grilled or roasted to juicy perfection, while the rice is cooked with aromatic herbs and vegetables to create a comforting base.

The standout feature of this dish is the bright, green sauce, made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and tangy lime, which adds a refreshing and spicy kick. This meal is perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of South America.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this guide will help you create a dish that’s full of flavor and vibrant colors. Step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and variations of the dish ensure that anyone can enjoy the deliciousness of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce.

Why You’ll Love Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

• Flavorful Chicken: The marinated chicken is infused with a combination of bold spices, creating a savory and aromatic flavor. Whether grilled or roasted, the chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with taste.
• Aromatic Rice: The rice, cooked with onions, garlic, and cilantro, acts as the perfect base for the dish. It’s fluffy, fragrant, and pairs beautifully with the chicken and the green sauce.
• Zesty Green Sauce: The fresh green sauce brings a tangy and spicy element to the dish, making every bite more exciting. The cilantro, lime, and jalapeños create a bright and vibrant flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Simple Yet Delicious: With everyday ingredients like chicken, rice, cilantro, and lime, this dish is easy to prepare while offering bold and complex flavors that will impress anyone.
• A Taste of Peru: This dish brings the flavors of Peru to your table, with its unique combination of herbs, spices, and cooking techniques. It’s a perfect introduction to Peruvian cuisine.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 500-550 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and cooking methods.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 60-65g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 4-5g

Ingredients

For the Peruvian Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Green Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
• 1-2 jalapeños (depending on desired spice level)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Special Equipment

While this dish doesn’t require any specialized tools, using the following equipment will help ensure the best results:

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need bowls to mix the chicken marinade, rice ingredients, and green sauce. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for easy mixing.
2. Electric Grill or Oven: For cooking the chicken, you can use a grill or an oven. An electric grill or stovetop grill pan helps to give the chicken a nice char, but roasting in the oven also works perfectly.
3. Saucepan: You’ll need a medium saucepan to cook the rice. A heavy-bottomed pan helps evenly distribute heat for perfectly cooked rice.
4. Blender or Food Processor: A blender or food processor is essential for making the smooth and creamy green sauce. It helps blend the cilantro, jalapeños, and other ingredients to perfection.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements, especially for spices and liquids, use measuring spoons and cups to ensure the right balance of flavors.
6. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for chopping the onions, garlic, cilantro, and other vegetables for the rice and green sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, ground turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, lime juice, white vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk together until the spices are fully incorporated into the oil and vinegar mixture.

Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the marinade, ensuring they are coated evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade, making it tender and flavorful.

2. Prepare the Rice

While the chicken marinates, start preparing the rice. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Stir in the ground cumin and salt, allowing the spices to bloom in the oil for another minute. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the oil and spices.

Next, pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.

After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor. Keep the rice warm until ready to serve.

3. Prepare the Green Sauce

While the rice cooks, prepare the green sauce by combining the fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, white vinegar, olive oil, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and thick, but not too runny.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Transfer the green sauce to a serving dish or bowl and set it aside.

4. Cook the Chicken

After marinating, remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat.

If grilling, cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, if roasting in the oven, place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or serving it whole.

5. Assemble the Dish

To serve, place a generous portion of the cilantro rice on each plate. Top with the grilled or roasted chicken, and drizzle with the tangy green sauce. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Serve immediately, and enjoy the bold and flavorful taste of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce.

Tips for Perfect Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

• Marinate the Chicken Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.
• Customize the Green Sauce: Adjust the spiciness of the green sauce by adding more or fewer jalapeños. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before blending.
• Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts work perfectly, using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can add extra flavor and juiciness. The skin will crisp up nicely if you roast or grill them.
• Make Extra Sauce: The green sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used as a dip for vegetables, potatoes, or even other meats. Make extra to enjoy with leftovers.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the dish with traditional Peruvian sides like fried plantains or a simple green salad with avocado to complete the meal.

Variations of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

• Spicy Chicken: For a spicier version, marinate the chicken with additional hot sauce or chili powder, or add extra jalapeños to the green sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a delicious vegetarian variation of this dish.
• Coconut Rice: Add a can of coconut milk to the rice while cooking for a creamy, slightly sweet variation that complements the spicy chicken and green sauce.
• Grilled Shrimp: For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp marinated with similar spices and grilled to perfection.

Storage and Shelf Life

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or on a stovetop, and warm the rice in a microwave or over low heat in a pan.

The green sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. If it thickens, simply add a little water to thin it out before serving.

For longer storage, the chicken and rice can be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

Pair this vibrant dish with complementary sides and drinks:

• Plantains: Fried or baked plantains offer a sweet and savory balance to the spicy chicken and rice.
• Peruvian Corn Salad: A fresh salad with corn, avocado, and tomatoes is a light and refreshing side to accompany the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Crisp Green Salad: A simple green salad with arugula, lettuce, and a lime dressing can balance the flavors and add a fresh crunch.
• Cold Beer or Pisco Sour: Pair with a cold beer, or for a true Peruvian experience, enjoy a Pisco Sour cocktail, which combines Pisco, lime juice, and egg whites for a tangy drink.

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Conclusion

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce brings the bold flavors and vibrant colors of Peru to your table. With juicy, marinated chicken, aromatic rice, and a zesty green sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful, comforting meals. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will never disappoint. Enjoy the vibrant and delicious taste of Peruvian cuisine—every bite is a celebration of flavor!