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Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce: A Flavor Adventure

Enjoy this vibrant Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, rich in protein and bursting with flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5-2 pounds Chicken Any cut can work, but thighs are recommended for extra flavor.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Provides acidity that enhances the meat's flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Use vegetable or olive oil for marinating and cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin Adds warm, earthy spice to the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Contributes a smoky note to elevate the flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Essential for well-seasoning the chicken.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds a gentle hint of spice.
For the Green Sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves The main ingredient for the vibrant sauce, parsley can be a substitute.
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Acts as a creamy base for the sauce.
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream Adds tanginess; yogurt works as a great alternative.
  • 2 Jalapeños Chopped; packs a spicy kick.
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice A perfect base that absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter/Oil Essential for sautéing the rice and aromatics.
  • 0.25 cup Onion Diced.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Provides eye-catching color and additional flavor.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Use for cooking the rice; vegetable stock or water can be substituted.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas An optional addition that adds sweetness and color to the rice.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Coat the chicken thoroughly with this mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 450°F. If grilling, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For baking, arrange the chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, basting with reserved marinade halfway through.
  3. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. Soak the rice for 10-15 minutes, then drain it. In a medium saucepan, heat butter or oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Stir in the soaked rice and cook until fragrant.
  4. Add warm chicken stock and turmeric to the rice mixture, bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15 minutes without stirring.
  5. After 15 minutes, gently fold in frozen peas, cover again, and let it rest for 5 minutes for fluffy rice.
  6. In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, and a drizzle of olive oil. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy green sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  7. On individual plates, mound the turmeric-infused rice, and place your grilled or baked chicken on top. Generously drizzle the vibrant green sauce over the chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with a fresh salad for added nutrition or try Keto Chicken Alfredo for a different dinner twist.

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