This aromatic dish of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce transports you straight to the bustling streets of Lima. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken marinated in zesty spices, served alongside fluffy rice drenched in a vibrant green sauce that tickles your taste buds and makes your soul sing.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together!</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I serve with Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce?
- Can I use different types of rice?
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I tried this dish at a local eatery. The aroma wafted through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day, and the moment I took my first bite, I knew I was in love. It’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful recipe takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction for all your dinner guests
- Vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- The combination of spices creates an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Versatile enough to customize based on your pantry staples!
My best friend still talks about how she couldn’t stop raving about this dish at our last dinner party.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts depending on guest count; they cook evenly and soak up flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to pack a punch; garlic is essential for creating depth.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness to the dish; make sure it’s vibrant and fragrant.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the marinade’s acidity; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
- Jalapeño Pepper: Adjust spiciness by using less or more; roasting it first adds a smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for marinating; it adds richness to the overall flavor.
- Long Grain Rice: Choose long grain rice for fluffiness; it pairs perfectly with the chicken and sauce.
- Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the rice with savory goodness as it cooks.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
For the Sauce:
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to the green sauce; choose full-fat for best texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Helps create a smooth consistency in the sauce; don’t skip this step!
- Green Onions: These bring freshness and crunch; use both white and green parts for color contrast.
- Cumin Powder: A pinch adds warmth and earthiness; perfect complement to other flavors in your dish.
- Pepper Sauce (optional): Use if you like an extra kick! Just be careful not to overdo it.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together!
Start by marinating your chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin powder, salt, pepper, jalapeño pepper, and finely chopped cilantro. Add your chicken breasts into this mixture and let them soak up those delicious flavors while you prepare everything else.
Next up is cooking the rice! Rinse long grain rice under cold water until it’s clear. In a pot over medium heat, add vegetable broth along with rinsed rice and bring it to a boil. After boiling for 10 minutes reduce heat to low and cover tightly until absorbed—about 15 minutes—then fluff with a fork.
While your rice cooks away like magic on its own, let’s grill that chicken! Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot enough (you should hear that sizzle), place marinated chicken breasts on it. Grill them for about 6-8 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or are beautifully charred.
For our amazing green sauce! Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions (white parts included), lime juice from one lime half if desired—it brightens everything up—a sprinkle of cumin powder plus optional pepper sauce into a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy perfection!
Once everything’s done cooking assemble your plate by serving fluffy rice topped generously with sliced grilled chicken drizzled over luscious green sauce—don’t be shy! Garnish with extra cilantro leaves if you’re feeling fancy.
Serve immediately while everything’s warm and inviting! Enjoy every bite of this Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce—it’ll become an instant favorite in no time!
You Must Know
- This delicious Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is not just about flavor; it’s a dish that brings people together
- The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make every plate a feast for the eyes, while the aromas will have everyone gathering in the kitchen
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance its flavor. While it’s marinating, prepare your rice and green sauce simultaneously for efficient cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for tofu or add extra veggies like bell peppers for added crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking
- Use fresh herbs in your green sauce for maximum flavor
- Don’t rush marinating; it’s key for juicy, flavorful chicken!
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings where we’d all gather around, plates piled high, sharing laughter and stories while enjoying this delightful meal together.
FAQ
What can I serve with Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce?
Try serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Can I use different types of rice?
Absolutely! Jasmine or basmati rice works well as alternatives to traditional white rice.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally for safety.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a colorful, flavorful dish that blends juicy chicken and fluffy rice, all drizzled in a zesty green sauce. Perfect for impressing guests!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh garlic
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Jalapeño pepper
- Olive oil
- Long grain rice
- Vegetable broth
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, pepper, jalapeño, and chopped cilantro. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook rice: Rinse long grain rice under cold water until clear. Combine rinsed rice and vegetable broth in a pot; bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover tightly for about 15 minutes until absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Grill chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Prepare green sauce: Blend sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped green onions, lime juice (optional), cumin powder, and pepper sauce (if using) until creamy.
- Serve: Plate fluffy rice topped with sliced grilled chicken and drizzled green sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg