Description
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish made with marinated chicken, seasoned rice, and a spicy cilantro-lime ají verde sauce. This bold and satisfying Peruvian-inspired recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. It’s a complete meal packed with herbs, spices, and zesty heat that brings a taste of Peru to your table.
Ingredients
- For the chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Garlic cloves
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- For the rice:
- Jasmine or basmati rice
- Chicken broth
- Carrots, diced
- Red bell pepper, julienned
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves
- Ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper
- For the green sauce (ají verde):
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Jalapeño peppers, seeded (or with seeds for more heat)
- Garlic cloves
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Blend garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken in marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Make the green sauce: Blend cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayo, sour cream, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Slowly blend in olive oil to emulsify. Chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the rice: Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper in oil. Add rice, cumin, salt, and pepper, stir to coat. Add broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or sear the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Assemble: Serve rice topped with sliced chicken and a generous drizzle of green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro.
Notes
- Add peas or corn to the rice for variety.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt in the sauce.
- Add a serrano pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
- Serve with avocado, fried plantains, or a fresh salad.
- Store green sauce separately and serve cold or room temperature.
