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Peruvian Chicken & Rice

Peruvian Chicken & Rice: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite

Experience a burst of flavor with this Peruvian Chicken & Rice, combining grilled chicken, fluffy yellow rice, and zesty ají verde.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1.5-2 pounds Chicken Thighs or drumsticks work well for extra juiciness.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is essential for enhancing flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice Adds acidity and balance.
  • 2 tablespoons Oil Neutral oil is best for marinating and cooking.
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin Infuses the chicken with warm flavor notes.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Gives the chicken a smoky flavor and beautiful coloring.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt An essential seasoning to bring out the dish's natural flavors.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Freshly ground; balances the overall dish.
For the Green Sauce
  • 1 cup Cilantro Leaves Fresh; heart of the ají verde.
  • 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Adds creaminess.
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream Optional if you'd prefer using more mayonnaise.
  • 2 whole Jalapeño Chiles Chopped; adds heat.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Helps blend the sauce smoothly.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Fresh; brightens flavors.
For the Yellow Rice
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice This forms the dish's base.
  • 1 tablespoon Butter/Oil Adds rich flavor to the dish.
  • 0.25 cup Onion Diced; for added depth.
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Minced; infuses the rice with delightful flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Provides beautiful color and a mild taste.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Spices Each: cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Enhances the rice’s flavor.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Adds a pop of color and texture.

Equipment

  • grill
  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • Blender
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix together minced garlic, lime juice, oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight.
  2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 450°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or bake in the oven for approximately 30 minutes until its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. While the chicken is marinating, rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it for 10-15 minutes. In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Sauté 1/4 cup diced onion and 2-3 minced garlic cloves until the onion softens.
  4. Add the soaked jasmine rice to the saucepan with the sautéed onions and garlic, stirring gently for about 2 minutes. Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken stock, along with 1 teaspoon of turmeric, and season with spices. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. After the rice has simmered, add 1 cup of frozen peas to the pot, gently folding them into the rice. Re-cover and let the rice rest on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  6. In a blender, combine 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream (if using), and 2 chopped jalapeño chiles. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
  7. To assemble, place a generous serving of the fluffy yellow rice on each plate as the base. Top with the juicy, grilled chicken and drizzle generously with the zesty green sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Leftover Peruvian Chicken & Rice can be stored in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The ají verde can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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