Name: Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 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; 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; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon butter or oil; 1/4 cup diced onion (shallot preferred); 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken stock; 1 cup frozen peas

Jump to Recipe·4 from 3 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that combines tender, juicy chicken with fragrant rice, look no further than this Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe. Bursting with the bright, zesty notes of lime and fresh cilantro, alongside a smoky, savory marinade, this dish perfectly balances boldness and comfort. The luscious green sauce adds a creamy, mildly spicy finish that elevates every bite, making it a true crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several pieces of raw chicken coated evenly with a thick, orange-colored spice mix that gives a slightly rough texture. The chicken pieces overlap, showing various sizes and shapes, with some pieces having visible skin texture and a glossy, wet appearance from the marinade. The spice coating has small darker flecks scattered throughout, enhancing its textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe lies in its simple but carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the vibrant flavors, inviting textures, and appealing colors that make the dish unforgettable.

Chicken (1.5-2 pounds): Choose thighs, breasts, or your favorite cut; thighs stay juicy, breasts are leaner.
Garlic (2-3 cloves minced): Adds pungent aroma and depth to the chicken marinade and rice.
Lime juice or white vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides a tangy brightness that tenderizes the meat.
Oil of choice (2 tablespoons): Helps marinate the chicken and adds richness.
Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Brings earthiness and warmth to the marinade and rice.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses the chicken with subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Season everything perfectly and enhance other flavors.
Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup): Key to the bright, herbal kick in the green sauce.
Mayonnaise (½ cup) and sour cream (¼ cup): Create a creamy consistency for the luscious green sauce.
Jalapeño chiles (2 whole, roughly chopped): Offer a mild heat that balances the creaminess in the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves for sauce): Gives the green sauce an extra burst of flavor.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Blends everything into a smooth, rich sauce.
Fresh lemon or lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a final zing to the green sauce’s freshness.
Jasmine rice (1 cup): Fragrant and fluffy, it serves as the perfect bed for the chicken.
Butter or oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the onion and garlic for a rich rice base.
Diced onion (¼ cup): Adds sweetness and texture to the rice.
Minced garlic (2-3 cloves for rice): Layers extra flavor throughout the rice.
Spices for rice: turmeric (1 teaspoon), cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper (¼ tsp each): Bring warm color and subtle complexity.
Chicken stock (2 cups): Infuses the rice with savory depth and moisture.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the rice.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the chicken marinade ingredients—minced garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and some fresh cilantro leaves. Set aside about a quarter of this zesty mixture for brushing later, then coat your chicken thoroughly. Let the chicken soak in these bright flavors for at least an hour or overnight if you have the time. This slow soak ensures every bite is juicy, tender, and infused with that unmistakable Peruvian flair.

Step 2: Grill or Bake the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high or your oven to 450ºF. For grilling, cook the chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade halfway through to build layers of flavor and color. If baking, place the chicken on a foil-lined pan, roast for about 30 minutes, brushing once during cooking. Either method yields succulent, perfectly cooked chicken with a golden exterior that’s just waiting for the green sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Peruvian Rice

While your chicken cooks, rinse jasmine rice until the water runs clear and soak it for 10-15 minutes. This step helps fluffiness. Sauté diced onion and garlic in butter or oil until soft and fragrant, then add the rice and spices—turmeric brings a golden hue, while cumin and onion powder deepen the flavor. Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes. Stir in frozen peas, cover, and let it rest, locking in the moisture for tender, colorful rice.

Step 4: Blend the Green Sauce

For that iconic Peruvian uplift, pulse fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon or lime juice in a blender until creamy and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper. This cool, vibrant sauce adds a luscious, slightly spicy contrast to the smoky chicken and warm rice, tying the dish together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate the fluffy turmeric rice with juicy chicken on top, then drizzle generously with the fresh green sauce. This Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures in every bite!

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

The dish shows two thick pieces of grilled chicken placed on a bed of yellow rice mixed with bright green peas, all arranged in a large white speckled bowl. The chicken pieces have dark grill marks and are drizzled with a light green sauce, with fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top. The yellow rice is fluffy with visible grains and peas throughout, covering the bottom of the bowl. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl near the edge, partially stirring the rice. To the left, there is a small white speckled bowl containing extra green sauce. The background is a white marbled texture with a small cilantro leaf on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprigs and thin lime wedges make excellent garnishes that boost the dish’s freshness and color. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or lightly crushed peanuts over the top to add crunch and unexpected texture that delight the senses.

Side Dishes

Complement this dish with simple Peruvian-inspired sides like a crisp, tangy shaved cabbage salad or roasted vegetables seasoned with garlic and cumin. A refreshing avocado salad with lime vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, helping balance the plate with creamy smoothness and crispness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a vibrant bed of rice in a large, family-style bowl. Add separate bowls of green sauce, allowing guests to drizzle to their liking. You might even try making little “rice bowls” topped with chicken and a dollop of sauce for an easy handheld option that’s great for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe cool completely before storing. Keep the chicken, rice, and green sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge to preserve their distinct flavors and textures. Leftovers should last up to 3 days, making it perfect for convenient future meals.

Freezing

The chicken and rice freeze well when separated. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. For the green sauce, freezing is not recommended as it alters the creamy texture; instead, make a fresh batch when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to the rice to keep it moist. Save the green sauce for after reheating to ensure it retains its fresh, creamy character.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out more easily than thighs. Marinating well and monitoring cooking time carefully will keep them juicy and flavorful.

How spicy is the green sauce in this recipe?

The green sauce has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the jalapeños. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add an extra chile or some hot sauce. For less spice, remove the seeds or substitute with bell peppers.

Can I make the rice in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead, but it’s best served fresh or reheated gently with a little moisture added. Frozen peas can be stirred in fresh or warmed with the rice to maintain their bright color and texture.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to the chicken in this recipe?

If you want to keep the Peruvian flavors without chicken, grilled or roasted vegetables like portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu work wonderfully with the marinade and green sauce.

What kind of oil is best to use in the marinade?

Neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work well due to their light flavor, but olive oil is a great choice too for adding a subtle richness. Avoid strong-flavored oils that might overpower the delicate balance of the marinade.

Final Thoughts

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is a true celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. It’s approachable enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for entertaining. Give this dish a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken and rice with a uniquely Peruvian twist!