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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 75 reviews

This vibrant Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce recipe features tender, marinated chicken grilled or baked to perfection, served atop fragrant Peruvian yellow rice enhanced with turmeric and peas. The dish is finished with a creamy, zesty cilantro jalapeño green sauce, adding a fresh, spicy kick that balances the smoky and savory flavors in the chicken and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5–2 pounds chicken (thighs, breasts, or any cut)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons oil of choice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Green Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 whole jalapeño chiles, roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Peruvian Yellow Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine garlic, lime juice (or white vinegar), oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Reserve about one-quarter of the marinade and set aside. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow flavors to develop.
  2. Preheat Cooking Equipment: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or alternatively preheat your oven to 450ºF. This is also an ideal time to start preparing the yellow rice if serving together.
  3. Cook Chicken – Grill Method: Grill the marinated chicken on each side for 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF, indicating it is fully cooked. Brush the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through grilling for extra flavor and moisture.
  4. Cook Chicken – Bake Method: Arrange the marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165ºF. Brush with reserved marinade halfway through baking.
  5. Prepare Peruvian Yellow Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it for 10-15 minutes before draining. In a pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic in butter or oil until softened. Add the drained rice and spices: turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in frozen peas, cover again, and let rest off heat for 5-10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork before serving.
  6. Make the Green Sauce: Place cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño chiles, garlic, olive oil, and lemon or lime juice into a blender. Pulse for about 30 seconds or until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Plate the yellow rice, top with the grilled or baked chicken, and drizzle generously with the vibrant green sauce. Enjoy this flavorful Peruvian-inspired meal!

Notes

  • You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful.
  • Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the best flavor and tenderness.
  • If you do not have jalapeños, mild green chilies or a small amount of hot sauce can be substituted in the green sauce.
  • Make sure to wash and soak the rice properly; it helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky rice.
  • Adjust grilling or baking times depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces.
  • Leftover green sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Peruvian chicken, grilled chicken, yellow rice, Peruvian yellow rice, green sauce, cilantro sauce, jalapeño sauce, turmeric rice, flavorful chicken recipe

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/peruvian-chicken-and-rice-with-green-sauce-recipe/