The aroma of Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce fills your kitchen as it simmers, teasing your senses. With vibrant colors and a medley of spices, this dish is an invitation to indulge in a culinary adventure that’s both comforting and exciting.
Picture a gathering of family or friends, laughter echoing around the table, while this delightful dish steals the spotlight. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, the anticipation builds as you serve up portions of this mouthwatering meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious Peruvian chicken and rice is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile balances savory and zesty notes, leaving everyone wanting more
- Its vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that impresses guests
- This versatile dish pairs well with various sides, from fresh salads to crusty bread
I remember the first time I made Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce for my friends; their delighted expressions were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
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Long-Grain Rice: Choose high-quality long-grain rice for fluffy texture that absorbs flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Cilantro: Bright green cilantro adds freshness; select firm leaves for the best flavor.
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Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavors; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
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Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic for a punchy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
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Green Peppers: Sweet green peppers bring color and sweetness; pick vibrant-looking ones.
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Cumin Powder: This spice adds warmth; toast it lightly before using to unlock its full potential.
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Paprika: Smoky paprika gives depth; feel free to use sweet or smoked depending on preference.
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Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the wonderful flavors in your dish.
For the Sauce:
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Aji Verde Sauce Ingredients: This includes cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, mayonnaise, and garlic blended into a zesty sauce that makes everything better.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare yourself for an adventure in cooking as we dive into creating this flavorful dish together!
Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in diced green peppers and sauté until they soften and become fragrant—about five minutes.
Add Rice: Stir in washed long-grain rice into the skillet with your sautéed veggies. Toast the rice lightly for about two minutes until it becomes slightly translucent—this enhances its nutty flavor.
Pour in Broth: Carefully add low-sodium chicken broth into the pan. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
Cook Chicken: While rice cooks, heat another skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—approximately six minutes per side or until cooked through.
Create Aji Verde Sauce: Blend fresh cilantro leaves with jalapeños (seeds removed), lime juice, mayonnaise, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasonings according to taste—this sauce will elevate your dish!
Now you have all components ready: fluffy rice along with succulent chicken crowned by zesty Aji Verde sauce!
Serve this beautiful plate with extra lime wedges on the side for those who crave an extra burst of freshness! Enjoy every bite of this Peruvian delight!
You Must Know
- Mastering Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce creates a dazzling dish full of flavor
- The vibrant colors and rich aromas transport you straight to Peru
- This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, making every meal feel like a celebration
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by marinating the chicken while preparing the rice. Sear the chicken to lock in flavor, then simmer it slowly for juicy tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional ingredients! Try adding bell peppers or corn for sweetness or use quinoa instead of rice for a twist on this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture without drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid dry chicken, don’t skip marination; let it soak up flavors for hours
- Use homemade green sauce for freshness and adjust spices to your taste
- Always taste your rice before serving; it should be fluffy yet firm
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my first attempt; I ended up with more green sauce on me than on the chicken, but we laughed so hard that night!
FAQ
What is Peruvian green sauce made of?
Peruvian green sauce typically includes cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and mayonnaise.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with beef or shrimp for different flavors.
How do I make the rice fluffy?
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffiness during cooking.
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms any meal into a celebration. This recipe features succulent chicken marinated in zesty spices, served over fluffy long-grain rice and drizzled with a refreshing Aji Verde sauce. Perfect for gatherings or a delicious weeknight dinner, this dish will tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors and colorful presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup diced green peppers
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves for the sauce
- 2 jalapeños, seeds removed
- 1/4 cup lime juice for the sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise for the sauce
- 2 garlic cloves for the sauce
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken: Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add green peppers and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
- 3. Cook rice: Stir in washed rice, toasting it for about 2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes until fluffy.
- 4. Cook chicken: In another skillet over medium-high heat, sear marinated chicken until golden (about 6 minutes per side).
- 5. Make Aji Verde sauce: Blend cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, mayonnaise, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 6. Serve: Plate the rice topped with chicken and drizzle with Aji Verde sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
