Imagine a plate filled with perfectly seasoned chicken that’s so tender it practically dances off the bone. Now picture that same plate alongside fluffy rice soaked in vibrant green sauce that smells like an herb garden exploded in your kitchen. This is not just any meal; this is Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, a dish that could make even your grandmother reconsider her famous spaghetti recipe.
Growing up, my family always had moments where we bonded over food. Whether it was a last-minute taco night or an elaborate holiday feast, every meal was an adventure. But nothing beat those evenings when we whipped up this delightful Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce. It brought together flavors from faraway lands and turned our dinner table into a mini South American fiesta.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious dish showcases easy preparation without sacrificing flavor; perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests
- The bright green sauce adds eye-catching color and freshness to your plate
- Versatile enough for variations based on what’s in your fridge!
I still remember my friend’s jaw dropping when they tasted this amazing dish for the first time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- White Rice: Long-grain white rice works best; it cooks evenly and absorbs all those tasty flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: Choose vibrant green cilantro as it adds a fresh pop to the green sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic brings out incredible aromatic flavors; avoid pre-minced garlic if you can.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the entire dish—don’t skimp on it!
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while adding depth to the rice.
- Green Peppers: These add sweetness and texture—feel free to mix it up with other veggies!
- Cilantro Dressing or Sauce: This zesty sauce is essential! You can easily make your own or buy store-bought.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Wash and chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Set aside some chopped cilantro for garnish later.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 6-7 minutes per side should do it.
Make the Rice: In another pot, bring two cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add white rice and lower heat to simmer for about 18-20 minutes until tender and fluffy.
Prepare the Green Sauce: While everything cooks away happily, blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed—it should be zesty yet balanced!
Combine Everything: Once your chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp), remove from skillet and let rest briefly before slicing. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in some chopped green peppers.
Serve Up Your Masterpiece: On each plate, serve a generous scoop of rice topped with sliced chicken. Drizzle over that glorious green sauce like you’re Picasso painting his masterpiece!
Now sit back while everyone praises you like culinary royalty! Enjoy every bite of your Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce—because you deserve it after all that hard work!
You Must Know
- Mastering Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce isn’t just about following the recipe; it’s about embracing flavors and creating a feast of colors
- The blending of spices and the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make everyone wonder what magic you’re conjuring up
- It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to build flavor, then cook the rice while grilling the chicken for efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out rice for quinoa or add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to keep everything juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To truly elevate your Peruvian Chicken & Rice, try using fresh herbs and spices
- Marinate overnight for maximum flavor impact
- Always let your chicken rest before slicing to ensure juiciness
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my first dinner party where I wowed my friends with this dish. They still rave about it!
FAQ
What can I substitute for green sauce?
You can use chimichurri or even a yogurt-based sauce for a creamy twist.
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least two hours enhances its flavor significantly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this vibrant Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, a deliciously easy dish bursting with flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 4 garlic cloves
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped green peppers
- Cilantro dressing or sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Wash and chop the vegetables. Set aside some chopped cilantro for garnish.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Make the rice: In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to simmer, and cook for 18-20 minutes until fluffy.
- Prepare the green sauce: Blend cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil until smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine everything: Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, let it rest before slicing. Fluff rice and stir in green peppers.
- Serve: On each plate, serve rice topped with sliced chicken and drizzle with green sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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