Flavor-Packed Peruvian Chicken & Rice Recipe

The aroma wafting through your kitchen while making Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is nothing short of heavenly. Imagine tender chicken marinated in spices, sizzling away on the stovetop while fluffy rice awaits its flavorful partner. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to dance around the kitchen like nobody’s watching—because really, who wouldn’t want to celebrate amazing food?

Now let me take you back to a sunny afternoon when I first tried this dish at a friend’s housewarming party. The moment I took that first bite, it was like fireworks went off in my mouth! Juicy chicken mingling with perfectly cooked rice and that green sauce—oh boy! You’ll want to make this for family gatherings or cozy nights in because it promises to impress everyone at the table.

I once made this for a casual Sunday dinner and had my friends pleading for seconds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you need to feed.
• Long-Grain Rice: Choose high-quality long-grain rice for fluffy texture; avoid quick-cooking varieties for best results.
• Fresh Cilantro: Pick bright green cilantro; it adds freshness that elevates the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is essential; it brightens the flavors and balances richness perfectly.
• Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact; no one likes bland garlic!
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth; it enhances the rice without overpowering other flavors.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on quality here.
• Cumin and Paprika: Essential spices that bring warmth and depth; always choose fresh ground for better flavor.
• Green Sauce Ingredients (Cilantro, Jalapeño, Lime): All blended together make a zesty magic potion that complements the chicken perfectly!

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

Let’s Make it together

Marinate Your Chicken: Begin by mixing lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat evenly; let marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak in flavor.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Add Rice and Broth: Once chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add rinsed rice and stir until slightly toasted—about 1-2 minutes before adding chicken broth.

Cook Everything Together: Return seared chicken to skillet atop rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer before reducing heat; cover tightly and cook until rice absorbs all liquid—approximately 18-20 minutes.

Make That Green Sauce!: While everything cooks away happily together, blend cilantro leaves with jalapeño (seeds optional), lime juice, salt, and olive oil in a blender until smooth.

Serve It Up!: Once all is cooked perfectly (the aroma should be incredible!), fluff rice gently with a fork before plating. Top each serving generously with that vibrant green sauce—you deserve it!

Now sit back and marvel at your masterpiece—Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce will leave everyone asking for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken while cooking the rice; this maximizes flavor and efficiency, ensuring juicy chicken every time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave for best texture.

Memories of making this dish with my family always bring a smile; we’d laugh and share stories while waiting for that scrumptious aroma to fill our kitchen.

FAQ

What is the best way to prepare the green sauce?

Blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth, adjusting seasoning as needed.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with tofu, beef, or shrimp; adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce for an extra kick.

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

📖 Recipe Card

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Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

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

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Description

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty green sauce for an unforgettable meal.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Long-grain rice
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Garlic cloves
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Jalapeño (for green sauce)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sear the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken, add rinsed rice to the skillet, and toast for 1-2 minutes before adding low-sodium chicken broth.
4. Return the seared chicken on top of the rice, bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook until rice absorbs liquid (18-20 minutes).
5. While cooking, blend cilantro with jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and olive oil until smooth to make the green sauce.
6. Fluff cooked rice gently and serve topped with green sauce.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 68g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg