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I discovered this incredible Peruvian Chicken & Rice during my travels and it's become our family's absolute favorite dinner! The combination of juicy marinated chicken golden aromatic rice and that creamy tangy green sauce (ají verde) creates pure magic on a plate. Every time I make this my kitchen smells like a little piece of Peru.
Why You're Going to Love This
Trust me this isn't your average chicken and rice dinner! The marinade infuses the most incredible flavors into the meat while the rice soaks up all those beautiful spices. That vibrant green sauce? I catch my family eating it by the spoonful! Best of all you can prep most of it ahead making it perfect for both busy weeknights and dinner parties.
Let's Go Shopping
- Chicken: I prefer thighs for their juiciness but any cut works beautifully.
- Spice Blend: My perfect mix of cumin smoked paprika salt and pepper creates that authentic flavor.
- Rice: Jasmine rice gets infused with shallots garlic and turmeric for that gorgeous golden color.
- Green Sauce Stars: Fresh cilantro jalapeños lime juice they all come together like magic.
- Sweet Peas: They add such pretty color and lovely texture to the rice.
Let's Get Cooking
- Marinate with Love
- Give that chicken a good massage with all those gorgeous spices. The longer it marinates the better it gets!
- Cook to Perfection
- I love grilling for that smoky flavor but the oven works beautifully too. Just keep basting for extra juiciness.
- Rice Magic
- This isn't just any rice! Sautéing it with aromatics first makes all the difference.
- Sauce Time
- Blend everything until silky smooth adjust the seasoning and watch everyone fight over it!
My Kitchen Secrets
Here's what I've learned after making this countless times: marinate for at least an hour but overnight is even better. Always use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and try to pick chicken pieces that are similar in size they'll cook more evenly.
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Common Questions
People always ask me why this chicken tastes so amazing - it's all in that marinade and the perfect balance of spices! The green sauce (ají verde) might seem intimidating but it's actually super simple to make. And yes you can definitely prep components ahead I do it all the time for easy entertaining!
Mix It Up
While I love chicken thighs this recipe works beautifully with any cut. Sometimes I'll serve it over roasted potatoes instead of rice for a change. And if you can find aji amarillo paste add a spoonful to the green sauce it's a game changer!
Keeping It Fresh
Store everything separately in the fridge and it stays perfect for days! The chicken and rice will keep for about 4 days and that green sauce actually gets even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
Perfect Pairings
We love serving this with a simple salad or some quick roasted veggies on the side. Sometimes I'll warm up some tortillas and we'll make little tacos. A cold glass of Vinho Verde makes everything even better!
Good For You Too
This isn't just delicious it's actually packed with goodness! You've got lean protein from the chicken tons of herbs packed with antioxidants and all those aromatic spices. It's the kind of comfort food you can feel good about enjoying.
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Make It Your Own
Play around with the heat level in your green sauce - start mild and add more peppers if you like it spicy. Sometimes I'll swap the rice for quinoa or even cauliflower rice when we're keeping things light.
Cooking Options
The grill adds amazing smokiness but don't worry if you're cooking inside! The oven method works perfectly and I've even made this in my air fryer when I'm short on time. Each method brings its own delicious touch to the dish.
Party Perfect
This has become my go-to for entertaining! I can prep everything ahead and just finish it off when guests arrive. The colorful presentation always gets oohs and aahs and people love customizing their plates with extra sauce.
Flavor Heaven
The magic of this dish is how all the flavors work together - the smoky spiced chicken the aromatic rice and that bright fresh sauce create the perfect bite every time. It's comfort food elevated to the next level.
Family Friendly
Got picky eaters? Start with less spice in the marinade and keep the green sauce mild. My kids started out just eating the chicken and rice but now they love loading up on that green sauce too!
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Prep Like a Pro
Make your life easier by prepping ahead! Marinate the chicken overnight make the rice and sauce the day before then just cook the chicken when you're ready to eat. Dinner party stress? Gone!
The Finishing Touch
Don't skip those fresh garnishes! A sprinkle of cilantro some lime wedges maybe a few sliced jalapeños for heat lovers. These little touches make the dish look and taste extra special.
Lighter Version
Want to lighten things up? Use chicken breasts swap the rice for cauliflower rice and make the green sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Still absolutely delicious just a bit lighter!
Tips for Success
Don't skip rinsing the rice it makes such a difference in texture! Watch your marinating time too - longer than 24 hours and the meat can start to break down. And always let your chicken rest before slicing for the juiciest results.
A Taste of Peru
This Peruvian Chicken & Rice has become more than just a recipe in our house - it's our celebration dish our comfort food our taste of adventure. I hope it brings the same joy to your table that it brings to ours!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best cut of chicken to use?
- Any cut works well - whole chicken, thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. Boneless thighs are especially good as they stay moist and cook evenly.
- → Why reserve some marinade?
- The reserved marinade is used to brush the chicken while cooking, adding extra flavor and moisture. Never reuse marinade that's touched raw chicken.
- → Can I make components ahead?
- Yes, marinate chicken overnight and make green sauce ahead. Rice is best made just before serving.
- → How long does green sauce keep?
- Green sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir before using.
- → Why soak the rice?
- Soaking removes excess starch and ensures even cooking. This step helps achieve perfectly fluffy rice with separate grains.