Peruvian Chicken and Rice Green Sauce

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is one of those meals that feels special but is totally doable on a weeknight. The chicken gets so much flavor from its marinade and when you add the vibrant green sauce and yellow rice it becomes a dinner that never fails to impress at my table.

I made this for a family gathering and everyone wanted to know the secret to the green sauce. I always think back to that evening because it made for such a joyful meal together.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs or breasts: They soak up every bit of marinade Choose fresh chicken for juicy results
• Garlic: Adds punch to the chicken and rice Fresh garlic makes the biggest difference
• Lime juice or white vinegar: Brings brightness to the marinade Freshly squeezed tastes best
• Oil of choice: Helps the chicken stay tender Go for a neutral one like avocado or canola
• Ground cumin: Earthy and anchoring Look for freshly ground for big flavor
• Smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness Try to find genuine Spanish smoked paprika for the richest aroma
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Always use these to build depth and balance
• Fresh cilantro leaves: Essential for the green sauce Use leaves only for the best color and taste
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: These make the sauce extra creamy Opt for full fat for the best texture
• Jalapeño chiles: Bring gentle heat Remove seeds for less spice
• Olive oil: Enriches the sauce Choose extra virgin for best flavor
• Fresh lemon or lime juice: Brightens the sauce Fresh juice always preferred
• Jasmine rice: The base of the dish Fragrant jasmine really elevates it
• Butter or oil: Enhances the richness in the rice Use a good quality butter for extra aroma
• Onion and garlic: Build flavor in the rice Go for fresh and finely diced
• Turmeric: Gives the rice its sunny yellow color Choose high quality for a richer hue
• Cumin onion powder salt pepper: These round out the rice seasoning
• Chicken stock: Cooks the rice for more flavor than just water Use low sodium if you can
• Frozen peas: Add a little sweetness and a pop of color Look for peas that are bright green

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Place the chicken in a bowl with garlic lime juice oil cumin smoked paprika salt and pepper Mix until chicken is fully coated making sure every piece gets covered thoroughly To maximize flavor marinate for at least one hour or overnight in the refrigerator

Preheat and Begin Cooking:

If you are grilling heat your grill to medium high If using the oven preheat to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit This is also the moment to start preparing your rice

Cook the Chicken:

For the grill Place chicken on the hot grill and cook each side for five to seven minutes until it is golden and the inside registers one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit on a thermometer Brush on the reserved marinade when you flip the chicken For the oven Arrange the chicken on a foil lined baking sheet Bake for thirty minutes or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Brush it with reserved marinade halfway through cooking

Prepare the Rice:

While the chicken cooks rinse jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear then soak for ten to fifteen minutes Drain thoroughly In a pot melt the butter then sauté diced onion and minced garlic on medium low until golden This unlocks deep sweetness Stir in the drained rice turmeric cumin onion powder salt and pepper Sauté for a minute to let the flavors bloom Add the chicken stock bring to a boil cover and reduce to low for fifteen minutes Stir in the frozen peas cover again and let rest for five to ten minutes Fluff the rice with a fork to separate every grain

Make the Green Sauce:

Combine cilantro mayonnaise sour cream jalapeños garlic olive oil and lemon or lime juice in a blender Blend until creamy and brilliantly green Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed The sauce should be thick and pourable

Serve the Dish:

Spoon fluffy yellow rice onto your plate Top with juicy chicken Swoosh or drizzle with generous amounts of green sauce Enjoy right away for maximum flavor

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While every element is delicious what makes the dish unforgettable for me is the green sauce I remember my sister laughing as we ended up dipping bread chips and even leftover veggies into it It is so versatile I now keep a jar in the fridge most weeks

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken rice and green sauce separately in airtight containers The chicken and rice keep in the fridge for up to four days Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture The green sauce should be refrigerated and used within five days Always give the sauce a stir if it separates

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of fresh lime juice you can swap for equal parts lemon juice For the mayonnaise in the green sauce Greek yogurt works in a pinch No jasmine rice Go for any long grain white rice though the fragrance will be milder If jalapeños are too spicy for you try using roasted green bell pepper in the sauce for a milder kick

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own but you can add slices of ripe avocado and fresh tomato on the side for more color For a party platter slice the chicken and serve everything family style so everyone can build their own plate Leftover chicken also makes killer sandwiches with a swipe of the green sauce

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Cultural and Historical Context

Peruvian cuisine is all about bright flavors balanced with smoky richness This dish is inspired by Pollo a la Brasa and arroz amarillo which are classic in Peruvian homes The green sauce called Aji Verde is the secret that ties everything together and every family makes it a little differently It is a dish that showcases the fusion of native and global ingredients

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken works best for this dish?

Both chicken thighs and breasts bring different textures and flavors. Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner—use your preference.

→ How do I get the chicken flavorful and tender?

Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, or overnight, infuses it with garlic, lime, cumin, and paprika for deep flavor.

→ Can I prepare the yellow rice in advance?

Yes, the rice reheats well. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

→ How spicy is the green sauce?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you use and whether you include the seeds. Adjust to your taste preference.

→ Is it possible to bake instead of grill the chicken?

Absolutely! Baking at a high temperature ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly while remaining juicy and flavorful.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

A simple tomato salad, avocado slices, or sautéed greens complement the main components beautifully.