A plate of Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce can transport you straight to the streets of Lima. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken nestled atop a fluffy bed of perfectly cooked rice, all drizzled with a zesty green sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like an invitation to feast.
This recipe is more than just food; itโs a celebration. I remember the first time I made this for my friends during a game night. As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up like kids in a candy store. It was love at first taste!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Peruvian Chicken & Rice offers easy preparation and incredible flavor that will impress your family and friends
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning for any dinner table
- Plus, you can customize the ingredients based on what you have handy!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
I once made this dish for my neighborโs birthday party, and they declared it โthe best thing since sliced bread.โ
Essential Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for optimal flavor absorption from the marinade.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This type of rice provides the perfect texture; jasmine works wonderfully too.
- Fresh Cilantro: The star of our green sauce; choose vibrant leaves for maximum flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh cloves bring a robust kick; opt for larger ones to enhance the taste.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness; bottled just wonโt cut it.
- Aji Amarillo Paste: This Peruvian chili paste delivers authentic heat and flavor; find it in specialty stores or online.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for marinating the chicken and making the sauce richer.
- Chicken Stock or Water: For cooking rice; stock enhances flavor while water works fine if needed.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredientโs natural flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Letโs Make it together
First things first: We need to marinate our chicken.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and Aji Amarillo paste. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Sautรฉing Time: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and place marinated chicken in the pan. Sear until golden brown on both sidesโabout 5 minutes per side should do.
Cooking the Rice: While chicken cooks, rinse your long-grain rice under cold water until water runs clear. In another pot, combine rinsed rice and chicken stock (or water), bringing it to a boil before reducing heat to low and covering.
Make the Green Sauce: In a blender or food processor, add fresh cilantro leaves, garlic cloves, lime juice, Aji Amarillo paste, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smoothโtaste-test to ensure itโs bursting with flavor!
Crisping Up: Once chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165ยฐF), take it out of the pan to rest before slicing. Letting it rest ensures juiciness when you serve.
Piling It All Together: Fluff your cooked rice with a fork then serve topped with sliced chicken drizzled generously with that gorgeous green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro if youโre feeling fancy!
Now sit back and watch as everyone dives inโthis dish isnโt just food; itโs an experience!
You Must Know
- This delightful Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a game-changer
- The zesty green sauce elevates the dish, while the moist chicken and fluffy rice create a comforting meal
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to enhance flavor, then sear it for a golden crust before cooking rice. This ensures all components remain juicy and flavorful, creating an irresistible dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add different vegetables like bell peppers or peas for color and nutrition. Experimenting with spices can also give this traditional dish your unique flair that family and friends will love.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs in your green sauce for maximum flavor impact
- Donโt rush the searing process; let the chicken develop a lovely crust
- Always taste your rice before serving to ensure perfect doneness and seasoning!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of those family gatherings where laughter filled the kitchen, and my aunt proudly presented her version of this dish, claiming it was โthe real deal.โ
FAQ
What can I substitute if I donโt have fresh herbs for the green sauce?
You can use dried herbs; just remember that they are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day before, then reheat gently for optimal flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165ยฐF (75ยฐC) for safe consumption.

Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty cilantro sauce that will transport your taste buds to Peru.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Long-grain white rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Garlic cloves
- Lime juice
- Aji amarillo paste
- Olive oil
- Chicken stock or water
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, pepper, and Aji amarillo paste for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then cook it in a pot with chicken stock or water until tender.
- In a blender, combine cilantro, garlic, lime juice, Aji amarillo paste, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the green sauce.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. Serve over fluffy rice and drizzle generously with green sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Consider adding bell peppers or peas for added color and nutrition. Use fresh herbs in your green sauce to maximize flavor impact.