Savory Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

You know that moment when you take a bite of something so delicious that you feel like you’ve been transported to a sun-soaked plaza in Lima? That’s precisely what happens when you dive into a plate of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and makes your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant without the hefty price tag.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at your next get-together. Imagine tender chicken marinated to perfection, served over fluffy rice and slathered in a vibrant green sauce that packs just the right punch. You’ll be dreaming about this one long after it’s gone – trust me!

I once made this dish for my family during our annual “Let’s Pretend We’re Food Critics” night. My brother took one bite, paused dramatically, and declared it “life-changing.” I think he might have been slightly overdramatic – but hey, who doesn’t love a little culinary hype?

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd’s hunger levels.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves are key; they infuse incredible flavor into the chicken.
• Cilantro: Use fresh cilantro for that vibrant green sauce; it adds freshness and brightness.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice elevates the flavors and adds acidity.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the marinade; don’t skimp on this!
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best; it absorbs all the delicious flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while keeping things flavorful.
• Spices (Cumin, Paprika): These spices add depth; feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
• Salt & Pepper: Classic seasoning staples that enhance every ingredient in this dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Now let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Follow these steps closely to create your masterpiece.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice briefly before adding 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil. Once hot, add marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.

Prepare the Green Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro leaves (stems removed), garlic cloves, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth – taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Combine Everything Together: Fluff cooked rice with a fork before serving it on plates. Slice seared chicken breasts and arrange atop the rice. Drizzle generously with green sauce.

Serve & Enjoy!: Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve immediately while it’s fresh! Your guests won’t believe how good this is!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for that golden crust, then cook the rice while preparing the zesty green sauce to keep everything warm and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp, and experiment with different herbs in the green sauce for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep it moist and delicious.

Cooking this dish reminds me of hosting my first dinner party. My friends couldn’t stop raving about it, and I felt like a culinary genius!

FAQ

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain rice or jasmine rice enhances the flavor without becoming sticky.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or your favorite vegetables for a delightful vegetarian option.

How spicy is the green sauce?

The spiciness depends on how many jalapeños you add; adjust according to your taste preferences.

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Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce

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• Author: Doorecipes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant, mouthwatering dish featuring tender marinated chicken served atop fluffy rice and drizzled with a zesty cilantro-green sauce.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Olive oil
• Long-grain white rice
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Spices (cumin, paprika)
• Salt & pepper

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2. Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan over medium heat, toast the rice briefly before adding 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. 3. Sear the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. 4. Prepare the Green Sauce: Blend cilantro leaves (stems removed), garlic cloves, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. 5. Combine Everything: Fluff cooked rice with a fork and serve on plates. Slice seared chicken breasts on top of rice and drizzle generously with green sauce.
6. 6. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (340g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or your favorite vegetables. Adjust the spiciness of the green sauce by adding more or fewer jalapeños.