The aroma of Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce wafts through the air, enticing your senses with its vibrant blend of spices and fresh ingredients. The golden brown chicken sits atop a fluffy bed of rice, glistening with a tantalizing green sauce that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

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 and rice?
- Can I make green sauce in advance?
- Is this recipe spicy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As I recall the first time I enjoyed this dish, I was at a lively family gathering filled with laughter and chatter. The moment the platter hit the table, it sparked joy and excitement, and trust me, it vanished faster than you can say “more please”. This is not just a meal; it’s a celebration waiting to happen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is simple to prepare yet packed with bold flavors
- The vibrant green sauce adds a pop of color that makes it visually appealing
- Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s versatile enough to suit any occasion
- You can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your taste buds
I remember my friends’ faces lighting up when I served this dish for the first time; they couldn’t get enough of it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust based on how hungry everyone is!
Long Grain Rice: Choose high-quality long grain rice for perfect fluffiness; it’s key for great texture.
Fresh Cilantro: Use vibrant, green cilantro leaves for the sauce; they provide freshness and brightness.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it here.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; avoid dried garlic for this one.
Green Chili Peppers: Adjust the heat level by using mild or spicy varieties according to your preference.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil brings richness to both chicken and sauce.
For the Sauce:
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and balances heat; choose full-fat for richer flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; ensure you taste as you go!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness without compromising flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients together so you’re ready to roll. Wash the rice until the water runs clear, ensuring it’s perfectly clean before cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and let them marinate while you prepare other components. This infuses incredible flavors into each piece.
Cook the Rice: In a pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sautee some chopped onion until it’s translucent; then stir in long grain rice. Toast it lightly before adding water or broth according to package instructions.
Grill or Bake the Chicken: Preheat your grill or oven (400°F). Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The goal is juicy perfection!
Create Your Green Sauce: In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, garlic cloves, lime juice, sour cream, green chili peppers, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy; adjust seasoning if necessary.
Plate It Up!: Serve succulent chicken over fluffy rice drizzled generously with that vibrant green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired for an added touch of freshness that makes everything pop!
This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings people together around the dinner table for good times and great conversations! Enjoy every flavorful bite as you reminisce about good times shared over delicious food!
You Must Know
- This Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce recipe is a flavor bomb that’s easy to make
- You can adjust spice levels to suit your taste, while the vibrant green sauce adds freshness and zing to every bite
- Perfect for impressing guests or family!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by marinating the chicken first. While it absorbs all those delicious flavors, prepare the rice to cook simultaneously. This will save time and ensure everything is hot and ready together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping brown rice for white. You can experiment with different herbs in the green sauce for a unique twist that suits your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to keep it moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- The key to juicy chicken is marinating it overnight; this enhances both flavor and tenderness
- Use freshly chopped herbs for the green sauce; they elevate the dish’s freshness significantly
- Always taste as you go; adjusting flavors makes all the difference!
Sharing my first experience making this dish brings back fond memories of friends devouring seconds and thirds. Their compliments made me feel like a culinary rockstar, proving that homemade comfort food truly brings people together.
FAQ
What can I serve with Peruvian chicken and rice?
You can pair it with a simple salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make green sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the green sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is adjustable; use milder peppers for less heat if desired.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Juicy marinated chicken rests on a fluffy bed of long-grain rice, all drizzled with a zesty green sauce made from cilantro, lime, and chili peppers. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy any crowd.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 green chili peppers (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the chicken: Mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Prepare the rice: Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add rice and lightly toast before adding chicken broth. Cook according to package instructions.
- 3. Grill or bake the chicken: Preheat grill or oven to 400°F. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side on the grill or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the oven.
- 4. Make the green sauce: Blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, sour cream, green chilies, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- 5. Serve: Plate cooked chicken over rice and drizzle generously with the green sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg