Delicious Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Bold Green Sauce Recipe

Oh, memory lane, take me back to those rainy evenings spent curled up in the kitchen with the rich aromas of spices wafting through the air! One of my favorite culinary adventures has to be when I first stumbled upon Peruvian cuisine. It was love at first bite when I tasted this delightful Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce. The combination of tender chicken, wholesome rice, and a vibrant green sauce just makes my heart swoon.

As the clouds rolled in and the rain tapped gently against the window, I felt inspired. I went on to perfect this recipe, and let me tell you, it has since become a family favorite! It’s a dish packed with comforting flavors that reminds me of home, even when I’m far away. If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only easy to whip up on a weeknight but also a showstopper for gatherings, you’ve hit the jackpot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner—dinner can be on the table in under an hour.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• It’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
• Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
• Great for impressing guests with its vibrant colors and flavors!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish. Remember, fresh ingredients can make a world of difference!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer)
• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh adds a real punch!)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Sauce:

• 1 cup cilantro leaves (fresh is best)
• 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, if you like)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt to taste

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a few slices of avocado or even some diced tomatoes as toppings!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Trust me; you’ll want to savor every step of this flavorful journey.

1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. The sizzling onion perfume is just heavenly!
2. Add the minced garlic and cumin to the pan, stirring for an additional minute. You want your kitchen to smell like a flavor explosion!
3. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, and brown them in the pan, about 4-5 minutes per side. You want a lovely golden crust. Don’t rush this step; those browned bits are packed with flavor.
4. When the chicken is nicely browned, add the rice to the pan, stirring it well to coat with all those delicious flavors.
5. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all that yummy broth.
6. Meanwhile, let’s whip up that delightful green sauce! In a food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeño, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. It should be bright and zesty—just like a good party!
7. Once the chicken and rice are cooked through, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows everything to settle in and become even more delicious.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve it hot, drizzled with that delightful green sauce. Enjoy every single bite!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some playful ideas to make this dish truly your own:

• Add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness.
• Switch up the protein! Try shrimp, tofu, or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian twist.
• For a creamy texture in the green sauce, add some Greek yogurt along with mayonnaise.
• Feeling adventurous? Throw in some cherry tomatoes or corn for an added burst of sweetness and color.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is so colorful and vibrant that it deserves to shine on its own, but I love serving it with some crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side. A tall glass of fresh lemonade or iced tea would be the perfect accompaniment to cut through the richness. If you want to be a little extra, throw in some lime wedges for that fresh zesty squeeze right before serving!

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat this delicious dish:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can also freeze it! Just make sure to wait until it’s completely cooled, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Aim for about 2.5 cups of broth and an additional 10-15 minutes of cooking. You want that nutty flavor to shine!

What can I substitute for cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your jam, you can try parsley for a milder flavor or even fresh basil for a different twist—both will work beautifully.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level largely depends on how much jalapeño you include in the green sauce. If you’re wary of spice, start with less or remove the seeds! You can always add a pinch of cayenne for a milder kick later.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. Just follow the recipe as normal and store in individual portions. Warm it up when you’re ready to enjoy—it’s even more delicious the next day!

Conclusion

There you have it! A warm and inviting Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce that not only satisfies but brings a little sunshine to your plate. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please drop a comment below, share your own twists, or let me know your favorite memory associated with this dish. Happy cooking, friends!

Delicious Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Bold Green Sauce Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor authentic Peruvian chicken and rice paired with zesty green sauce. Discover this bold dish packed with flavor for your next meal. 153 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup jasmine or basmati rice

1 ¾ cups chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cilantro leaves

1 jalapeño, seeds removed

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt to taste

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Instructions

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cumin to the pan, stirring for an additional minute.

Season your chicken with salt and pepper, and brown them in the pan, about 4-5 minutes per side.

When the chicken is nicely browned, add the rice to the pan, stirring it well to coat with all those delicious flavors.

Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

In a food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeño, mayonnaise, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.

Once the chicken and rice are cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Serve it hot, drizzled with the green sauce.

Notes

A warm and inviting Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce that satisfies the palate and brings joy to your kitchen.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g

Keywords: Peruvian Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Green Sauce, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food