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Peruvian Chicken & Rice

Peruvian Chicken & Rice: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

This Peruvian Chicken & Rice is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1.5-2 pounds Chicken thighs or drumsticks work well
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Oil neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
For the Ají Verde Sauce
  • 1 cup Cilantro Leaves fresh
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream optional
  • 2 whole Jalapeño Chiles roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice fresh
For the Rice
  • 1 cup Jasmine Rice
  • 1 tablespoon Butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup Onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon Spices each: cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas

Equipment

  • grill
  • medium saucepan
  • Food Processor
  • Large bowl

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Add chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 450°F. Remove marinated chicken from fridge and let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or bake for 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Prepare the Rice
  1. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear, removing excess starch, and soak for 10-15 minutes. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic for an additional minute.
Cook the Rice
  1. Add soaked rice to the saucepan, stirring with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in chicken stock along with turmeric and spice blend. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until stock is absorbed. Stir in peas and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Make the Ají Verde Sauce
  1. Blend cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeños, olive oil, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Serve
  1. Plate by serving rice as a base, layering grilled chicken on top. Drizzle the creamy ají verde sauce over chicken.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate deeply for at least an hour for maximum flavor. Rinse and soak rice for fluffiness. Use chicken stock for enhanced flavor in the rice.

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