Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table, the Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is just what you need. This recipe has been a beloved staple in my home for years, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The tender chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty green sauce create a delightful combination that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What I love most about this dish is how simple it is to prepare while still delivering incredible flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this meal checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you want something home-cooked without the fuss.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The mild spices and bright flavors are sure to please even picky eaters, making it a hit at any family dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the green sauce in advance or store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Vibrant Presentation: The colorful green sauce adds a pop of color to the plate, making your meal not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking this Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:

For the Chicken and Rice

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp ground cumin

For the Green Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded for less heat if desired)
• 1 garlic clove
• Juice of 1 lime
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breast instead of thighs if you prefer a leaner option. Just adjust cooking time as needed!
• Add veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or peas while cooking the rice for added nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, keep some seeds in your jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce.
• Use brown rice: For a healthier twist, substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice. Just be aware that you’ll need to increase the cooking time.

How to Make Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step is crucial because it enhances the flavor of the chicken before it hits the skillet!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear them until golden brown on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). Searing locks in moisture and creates a beautiful crust—don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they’re soft and fragrant (about 2–3 minutes). This builds a flavorful base for your rice! Next, stir in rinsed long-grain white rice along with ground cumin. Toasting the rice for about one minute adds depth to its flavor.

Step 4: Simmer

Pour in chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Return your seared chicken to the skillet, cover it up tight, and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes. This step makes sure that both your rice and chicken come out perfectly cooked—tender and full of flavor.

Step 5: Make the Green Sauce

While your chicken and rice are simmering away, it’s time to whip up that vibrant green sauce! Combine cilantro leaves, jalapeño pepper (with seeds removed if you want less heat), garlic clove, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth; this sauce will be an explosion of flavor on top of your dish!

Step 6: Serve

Once your chicken and rice are done cooking, plate them up nicely. Drizzle generously with that amazing green sauce we just made. Enjoy every bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Cooking can be a delightful adventure, and these tips will help you make the most of your Easy Peruvian Chicken and Rice experience!

• Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. They will absorb the spices beautifully and result in a juicy dish.

• Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This helps in achieving fluffy grains that won’t stick together, making your meal more enjoyable.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of jalapeño in the green sauce according to your heat preference. This way, you can tailor the dish to suit everyone’s taste buds.

• Use Fresh Herbs: For the green sauce, using fresh cilantro is key to getting that vibrant flavor. Dried herbs simply won’t provide the same brightness that fresh ones do.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite remains moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Presenting your dish beautifully can enhance the dining experience! Here are some ideas on how to serve this colorful and delicious meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: Sprinkle some extra chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side so guests can add an extra zing to their plates.

Side Dishes

• Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad with tomatoes, red onion, and lime dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and rice.
• Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn not only complement the meal but also add a nice crunch.
• Black Beans: Seasoned black beans are rich in protein and pair wonderfully with this dish, making it even more filling.
• Cornbread: A slice of sweet cornbread provides a delightful balance to the savory chicken and rice—perfect for soaking up any extra green sauce!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to create a memorable meal that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your culinary journey into Peruvian flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily cook it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to separate the green sauce if possible to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe:

Can I make the Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be cooked ahead. Just store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I serve with Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe?

This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, avocado slices, or even warm tortillas for a complete meal experience!

Can I use different types of rice in this recipe?

While long-grain white rice works best, you could also experiment with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

Is there a way to make the green sauce spicier?

Absolutely! If you prefer more heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add an extra one when blending your green sauce.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce Recipe as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to please anyone at your dinner table. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share your experience—I would love to hear how it turns out for you!