Savory Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Name: Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 cup fresh cilantro; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 ripe avocado; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 jalapeño pepper (optional); Additional lime juice to taste

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

April 29, 2025

Updated:

April 29, 2025

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The aroma of Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace of spices and comfort. Imagine biting into succulent chicken, tender rice, and a zesty green sauce that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show.

I remember the first time I whipped up this dish. My friends gathered around the table, and their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites. It turned an ordinary evening into an unforgettable feast of laughter and flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce is not just easy to prepare; it’s bursting with vibrant flavors
The visually appealing dish brings a festive touch to your dinner table
Customize it effortlessly with available ingredients for a delightful twist
Enjoy it as a comforting weeknight meal or serve it at gatherings for an impressive spread

There’s something special about sharing food that brings people together. When I made this dish for my family reunion, I witnessed the joy it sparked among everyone.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts should suffice, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Long-Grain Rice: Choose good quality rice for fluffy results; it’ll soak up all those delicious flavors.
Fresh Cilantro: Fresh is best! A handful adds that bright flavor we all crave.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness; select firm peppers with vibrant color.
Garlic Cloves: Choose fresh cloves for maximum flavor; pre-minced just won’t cut it here.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice elevates the dish with zesty brightness.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps things savory without overwhelming saltiness.
Chicken Broth: This adds depth; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Cumin Powder: A pinch of cumin gives that earthy warmth we love in Peruvian cuisine.
Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances flavor—trust me on this one!
Olive Oil: For sautéing and flavor; don’t skip this step!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together beautifully.

For the Sauce:

Avocado: Ripe avocados are creamy magic and essential for that luscious green sauce.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Choose either for creaminess; both work wonders in this sauce!
Jalapeño Pepper (optional): Add heat if you’re feeling adventurous; remove seeds for milder flavor.
More Lime Juice!: We need more zing—trust me on this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before starting—this will keep you organized and stress-free during cooking. Chop garlic, dice bell pepper, and rinse rice thoroughly.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the skillet after removing chicken. Sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, releasing all those delicious aromas.

Cook the Rice: Stir in long-grain rice into the skillet along with chicken broth, soy sauce, cumin powder, and paprika. Bring to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover tightly for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.

Create the Green Sauce: While rice cooks, blend avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning based on your preference.

Combine Everything: Once rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork before adding back sautéed chicken. Drizzle generously with green sauce over everything—let those flavors mingle!

Enjoy serving Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce hot from the stove! Each bite promises an explosion of flavors that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).

You Must Know

This Peruvian chicken and rice recipe bursts with flavor and color
The green sauce adds a zesty twist, making it a crowd-pleaser
Perfect for family dinners, but also great for impressing guests
Embrace the vibrant aromas that fill your kitchen while cooking

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to soak in flavors. Sear it until golden brown, then cook rice while preparing the green sauce for seamless execution.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cilantro with parsley or add jalapeños for heat. You can even toss in bell peppers for extra crunch and sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve flavors and texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure moist chicken, marinate overnight if possible; this enhances flavor immensely
Always taste your green sauce before serving—adjust seasoning as needed for balance
Using day-old rice prevents mushiness and gives better texture when combined with chicken

The first time I made this dish was during a family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! Even my picky cousin went back for seconds, which is a monumental victory.

FAQs

FAQ

What ingredients are essential for Peruvian chicken and rice?

Key ingredients include chicken thighs, rice, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and spices.

Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the green sauce a day ahead for enhanced flavors.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and makes delicious leftovers throughout the week.

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