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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

Vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender, citrus-marinated chicken thighs served over fragrant jasmine rice, topped with a zesty green sauce bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and a mild spicy kick.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: International, Latin American, Peruvian
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 4-6 chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for marinade
  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice or long-grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed
  • 1 clove garlic for green sauce
  • 1 jalapeño or aji amarillo seeds removed for less heat
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice for green sauce
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for green sauce
  • salt and black pepper to taste for green sauce
  • water as needed for sauce consistency

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium pot with lid
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, cumin, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, combine rice with 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and fluffy.
  3. While rice cooks, make the green sauce. In a blender, combine 1 cup cilantro, 1 garlic clove, jalapeño, 2 tablespoons lime juice, mayonnaise or yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
  5. Flip chicken thighs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized crust on both sides.
  6. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
  7. To serve, place a generous scoop of cooked rice on each plate. Top with a chicken thigh and drizzle with green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or sliced avocado if desired.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for more intense flavor and tenderness. Use fresh cilantro for the most vibrant and flavorful green sauce. Adjust the amount of jalapeño or aji amarillo to control spiciness. Cooking rice in chicken broth adds extra savory depth. Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking before slicing to keep it juicy. Store components separately for best leftover quality.
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