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Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce

Featured in Delicious Dinner Inspirations.

Flavorful marinated chicken with yellow rice and creamy cilantro sauce. Can be grilled or baked, ready in 50 minutes for a complete Peruvian dinner.
Ranah
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 21:26:41 GMT
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A plate of food with chicken and rice. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This Peruvian chicken and rice combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and seasoned yellow rice, all topped with a vibrant green sauce. The dish brings together multiple layers of flavor for an impressive yet achievable meal.

Through testing different variations, I've found that marinating the chicken makes all the difference in achieving authentic Peruvian flavor.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken: Thighs provide most flavor, but breasts work too
  • Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key
  • Rice: Jasmine rice gives best texture
  • Fresh herbs: Essential for authentic green sauce
A plate of food with rice, peas, and chicken. Pin it
A plate of food with rice, peas, and chicken. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chicken Preparation
Mix marinade ingredients thoroughly
Reserve 1/4 for basting
Coat chicken evenly
Marinate minimum 1 hour
Rice Making
Wash rice until water runs clear
Sauté aromatics in butter
Add seasonings and stock
Cook covered on low heat
Green Sauce
Blend fresh herbs until smooth
Mix with mayonnaise and sour cream
Add jalapeños to taste
Season carefully

Through countless preparations, I've discovered that properly washing and soaking the rice creates the fluffiest texture, while allowing the marinade time to work its magic ensures the most flavorful chicken.

Temperature Management

For grilling, maintain medium-high heat for proper charring. For baking, 450°F creates similar results. Let meat rest 5-10 minutes before cutting.

Make-Ahead Options

  • Marinate chicken overnight
  • Prepare green sauce 24 hours ahead
  • Cook rice fresh for best texture
  • Reheat chicken gently to prevent drying

A plate of rice with chicken and peas, drizzled with a white sauce. Pin it
A plate of rice with chicken and peas, drizzled with a white sauce. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Common Issues

If rice is gummy:

  • Reduce liquid slightly
  • Ensure proper washing
  • Don't peek while cooking
  • Let rest before fluffing

This Peruvian chicken and rice demonstrates how proper technique and timing create extraordinary results. The combination of marinated chicken, seasoned rice, and fresh green sauce offers layers of flavor in every bite. Remember, patience with the marinade and careful temperature control make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What chicken cuts work best?
Any cut works - whole chicken, thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. Boneless thighs are especially good.
→ Can I make it less spicy?
Yes, reduce or remove jalapeños from the green sauce to control heat level.
→ How long should I marinate?
At least 1 hour, but overnight marinating gives best flavor.
→ Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes, green sauce can be made ahead and stored in fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Why soak the rice?
Soaking helps rice cook evenly and become fluffier.

Peruvian Style Chicken and Rice

Marinated chicken served with turmeric-spiced rice and creamy cilantro green sauce - a complete Peruvian-inspired meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Peruvian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 1.5-2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
02 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
04 2 tablespoons oil
05 1 tablespoon ground cumin
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Green Sauce

09 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
10 ½ cup mayonnaise
11 ¼ cup sour cream
12 2 jalapeño chiles, chopped
13 2 cloves garlic
14 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
16 Salt and pepper to taste

→ Yellow Rice

17 1 cup jasmine rice
18 1 tablespoon butter or oil
19 ¼ cup diced onion
20 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
21 1 teaspoon turmeric
22 ¼ teaspoon each: cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper
23 2 cups chicken stock
24 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Step 01

Mix marinade ingredients, reserve ¼ portion. Coat chicken with remaining marinade and refrigerate 1 hour to overnight.

Step 02

Soak rice 15 minutes. Sauté onion and garlic in butter, add rice and seasonings. Add stock, cook covered 15 minutes. Stir in peas and rest 5-10 minutes.

Step 03

Grill 5-7 minutes per side or bake at 450°F for 30 minutes until 165°F internal temperature. Brush with reserved marinade halfway through.

Step 04

Blend all green sauce ingredients until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Plate rice topped with chicken and drizzle with green sauce.

Notes

  1. Can use any chicken cut
  2. Green sauce can be made ahead
  3. Can be grilled or baked

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or oven
  • Blender
  • Rice pot with lid
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs (mayonnaise)
  • Dairy (sour cream)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 655
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 46 g