Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the earthy scent of simmering rice transports me straight to the heart of Peru, where comfort food knows no bounds. Today, I’m thrilled to share my take on Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce—a dish that effortlessly merges flavor and heartiness in one gorgeous plate. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks, as it guarantees minimal fuss while maximizing impact, turning weeknight dinners into a delightful culinary experience that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile; swap in tofu or shrimp to suit your cravings! Curious about how this vibrant ensemble will come together? Let’s dive into the delicious details! Why is Peruvian Chicken and Rice special? Flavorful Harmony: The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken and fragrant rice creates a comforting dish that’s bursting with tastes from the heart of Peru. Beginner-Friendly: This recipe is designed for novice cooks, allowing anyone to create a stunning meal with ease. Quick Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an excellent option for busy weeknights! Versatile Substitutions: Feel free to switch ingredients like chicken for shrimp or tofu, and tweak the sauce to suit your preferences. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for family gatherings or friendly dinner parties, it’s sure to impress every palate at the table. Elevate your dinner repertoire with this delightful dish—why not pair it with a refreshing lime-dressed salad from our Honey Pepper Chicken recipe to complement the spices? Enjoy! Peruvian Chicken and Rice Ingredients • Get ready to whip up a flavorful feast! For the Chicken Boneless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish, seasoned to perfection; feel free to swap with marinated tofu or shrimp for a meatless option. Salt and Pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance flavor; adjust to your taste preference. Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken; any neutral oil works if you’re in a pinch. For the Rice White Rice – The perfect base that soaks up all the delicious flavors; brown rice or quinoa can be nice alternatives if you prefer! Chicken Broth – Adds an extra depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. For the Green Sauce Fresh Cilantro – The herb that brings vibrancy to the sauce; for a twist, try parsley or basil. Lime Juice – Provides a refreshing acidity; fresh limes are ideal for the best taste. Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce; sour cream works as a substitute for a similar effect. Garlic Cloves – Uplifts the flavor profile; fresh cloves are the most potent choice. This Peruvian Chicken and Rice dish is a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to impress! Enjoy bringing these ingredients together for a meal bursting with flavor! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peruvian Chicken and Rice Step 1: Prepare Chicken Start by seasoning your boneless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken and sear for about 6 minutes on each side, until it is golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and let it rest while you prepare the rice. Step 2: Cook Rice In a separate pot, combine one cup of white rice with two cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow for extra steam. Step 3: Make Green Sauce While the rice is cooking, prepare the vibrant green sauce. In a blender, combine a generous bunch of fresh cilantro, the juice of one lime, half a cup of Greek yogurt, and two garlic cloves. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the spiciness by including more or less jalapeño based on your taste. Set aside the green sauce while you slice the chicken. Step 4: Combine Once the chicken has rested, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among serving plates. Arrange the sliced chicken over the rice, creating a lovely presentation that will catch the eyes of your family or guests. Step 5: Drizzle Sauce Generously drizzle the refreshing green sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. For an added touch, garnish with extra cilantro leaves to bring a pop of color to your plate. Step 6: Serve Present the dishes in individual plates or place everything in a large serving bowl for a delightful family-style meal. Accompany your Peruvian Chicken and Rice with a side of lime-dressed salad or roasted veggies to round out this colorful and nutritious dinner! Expert Tips for Peruvian Chicken and Rice Cook Chicken Through: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures safety and juiciness. Rice Consistency: For fluffy rice, let it rest covered after cooking. This allows the steam to finish cooking the grains evenly. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh cilantro and limes for the green sauce to achieve vibrant flavors. Dried herbs won’t have the same punch. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the jalapeño in the green sauce based on your heat preference. Start with a small amount if you’re unsure! Easy Prep: To save time, marinate your chicken while the rice cooks. This infuses flavor and keeps prep simple. Try these tips for the best Peruvian Chicken and Rice experience! How to Store and Freeze Peruvian Chicken and Rice Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little chicken broth for moisture balance. Drizzle with fresh green sauce right before serving for the best taste experience. Make Ahead Options These flavorful Peruvian Chicken and Rice are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours in advance; simply cool it down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the rice can be cooked ahead and stored for up to 3 days. Just fluff it with a fork before serving. Prepare the vibrant green sauce and refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken and rice on the stove or microwave, drizzle with freshly made green sauce, and savor a delightful meal that tastes just as delicious, with minimal effort! What to Serve with Peruvian Chicken and Rice Elevate your dining experience by complementing the bright flavors of your dish with delightful side items that enhance every bite. Lime-Dressed Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette balances the hearty chicken, bringing a bright contrast to your plate. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies add depth and a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the dish’s zesty green sauce. Fried Plantains: The crispy, sweet notes of fried plantains create a wonderful textural contrast while echoing the flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices with a hint of lime harmonize perfectly, providing a rich undertone that complements the dish’s zestiness. Spicy Black Beans: Hearty, spiced black beans add protein and a delicious earthiness, enriching the meal without overpowering the main flavors. Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc refreshes the palate, enhancing the vibrant tastes of the chicken and rice. Mango Sorbet: For dessert, a light mango sorbet offers a sweet and fruity finish, balancing the savory elements of your meal beautifully. Mix and match these options to create a memorable meal that you and your loved ones will savor. Enjoy! Peruvian Chicken and Rice Variations Feel free to explore these delightful adjustments to personalize your Peruvian Chicken and Rice! Tofu Twist: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu for a plant-based protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully. Shrimp Delight: Swap in shrimp for a quick-cooking seafood alternative, adding a delightful burst of taste. Veggie Boost: Stir in colorful vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the rice cooking process for extra nutrition and crunch. Herb Medley: Experiment with different herbs in the green sauce; parsley and basil provide unique flavors that brighten up the dish. Spice it Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce for an extra kick that spice lovers will adore. For a comforting side, consider pairing this dish with our delicious Honey Pepper Chicken or serve with a refreshing lime-dressed salad for a delightful meal. Enjoy the creativity in your kitchen! Peruvian Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for pieces that are firm and pink without dark spots. If you’re opting for a meatless version, marinated tofu or shrimp makes a delightful substitute. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store your Peruvian Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pan to prevent the chicken from drying out. This will keep your meal fresh and delicious! Can I freeze Peruvian Chicken and Rice? Yes, you can! For long-term storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stove, adding a bit of chicken broth to retain moisture. This method ensures you still enjoy flavorful chicken and rice. What if the green sauce is too spicy for my taste? Very! Just adjust the spice level by using less jalapeño when blending. You can also add more Greek yogurt or a splash of water to soften the heat. Taste as you go to achieve your perfect balance! Can pets eat this meal? While chicken is safe for pets, it’s best to avoid serving them the green sauce due to its garlic content, which can be harmful to pets. Stick to plain chicken if you want to share a bit with your furry friends! Are there any dietary considerations for allergies? Certainly! Always check for allergies or dietary restrictions. The recipe contains dairy from Greek yogurt; you can omit it for a dairy-free version or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. For gluten sensitivity, ensure any broth used is gluten-free. Savory Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Zesty Green Sauce A delightful Peruvian Chicken and Rice recipe, featuring succulent chicken and zesty green sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 platesCourse: DinnerCuisine: PeruvianCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts Seasoned to perfection.to taste Saltto taste Pepper2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing.For the Rice1 cup White Rice Can substitute with brown rice or quinoa.2 cups Chicken Broth Substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian.For the Green Sauce1 bunch Fresh Cilantro Can substitute with parsley or basil.1 juice Lime Juice Fresh limes recommended.1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Can substitute with sour cream.2 cloves Garlic Cloves Use fresh for more flavor. Equipment skilletPotBlender Method Cooking StepsSeason the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.In a separate pot, combine white rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes.Blend cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and garlic until smooth for the green sauce.Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Fluff the cooked rice and place it on serving plates. Top with sliced chicken.Drizzle the green sauce over the chicken and rice. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.Serve individually or family-style with a side of lime-dressed salad or roasted veggies. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 20mg NotesFor best results, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and let the rice rest for fluffiness. Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
