The aroma of spices and the vibrant green sauce wafting through the kitchen is nothing short of magical. As you dive into this dish of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, your taste buds will dance in delight. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve traveled to a bustling market in Peru without leaving your home.
Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, each bite igniting stories and laughter. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an adventurous gathering with friends, this dish brings people together like no other.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful dish boasts incredible flavors while being surprisingly easy to prepare for any skill level
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for weeknight meals yet fancy enough for special occasions
- Versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences while still delivering a taste explosion!
I remember the first time I made this recipe; my friends were speechless as they took their first bites. Their faces were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
- Long-Grain Rice: This type cooks evenly and absorbs all those yummy flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: Choose vivid green cilantro for the best flavor and visual appeal in your sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable; it adds depth that powdered garlic just can’t match.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens everything up—trust me on this one!
- Jalapeño Pepper: Adjust the heat according to your spice tolerance; remove seeds for milder flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water enhances the overall flavor of the rice tremendously.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps brown the chicken nicely.
- Cumin and Paprika: These spices are essential for achieving that authentic Peruvian flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is crucial; don’t skip this step!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather everything you need before cooking. Chop cilantro, mince garlic, dice jalapeño, and squeeze lime juice into a small bowl—let’s get organized!
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 6-8 minutes per side works well here.
Add Flavors to Rice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and sauté garlic and jalapeño until fragrant. Toss in cumin and paprika for about 30 seconds to wake up those spices!
Combine Ingredients: Add long-grain rice into the skillet along with chicken broth. Stir well then nestle your golden chicken on top—this is where magic happens!
Simmer Away!: Cover tightly and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until rice absorbs all liquid—you’ll know it’s ready when you see steam escaping!
Prepare Your Green Sauce!: While everything simmers away happily, blend cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, and jalapeño until smooth—the color should be vibrant green.
Serve It Up!: Once done cooking let it rest briefly before fluffing rice with a fork. Plate generously topped with that dreamy green sauce—voilà !
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful; just follow these steps closely while letting your personality shine through.
Now you have an amazing recipe that combines vibrant flavors with comforting textures—a true feast for both eyes and palate! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce!
You Must Know
- This delightful Peruvian chicken & rice with green sauce recipe brings a fiesta to your kitchen
- The vibrant flavors and aromatic spices transform ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken to lock in juices, then prepare the rice while blending the green sauce for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or add extra veggies like bell peppers for a colorful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with zesty spices
- Don’t rush cooking the rice; let it absorb all flavors fully
- Use fresh herbs for a vibrant green sauce that pops with freshness
My cousin once told me this dish reminded her of our family gatherings, always filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen.
FAQ
How can I make the green sauce spicier?
Add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, just remember brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
What sides pair well with Peruvian chicken & rice?
Consider serving a light salad or roasted vegetables for balance and color.

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce delivers vibrant flavors and comforting textures in every bite. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for any gathering, bringing family and friends together.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Long-grain rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Jalapeño pepper
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: chop cilantro, mince garlic, dice jalapeño, and squeeze lime juice.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides (6-8 minutes per side).
- Remove chicken; sauté garlic and jalapeño in the same skillet until fragrant. Add cumin and paprika for 30 seconds.
- Stir in long-grain rice and chicken broth, then nestle the chicken on top.
- Cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice has absorbed all liquid.
- In a blender, combine cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic cloves, and jalapeño to make the green sauce.
- Fluff the rice with a fork after resting briefly, then serve topped with green sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with spices. - You can swap chicken for tofu or add veggies like bell peppers for variety.