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Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce served on a white plate with creamy aji verde drizzle.

Peruvian Chicken And Rice with Green Sauce

Tender, seasoned chicken thighs served over fluffy cilantro lime rice and drizzled with a vibrant, creamy homemade green sauce (Aji Verde).
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Peruvian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 bone in, skin on chicken thighs about 2 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt for chicken rub
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1½ cups jasmine rice basmati works too
  • 2¼ cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped, for rice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice divided for rice and sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4-5 jalapeño peppers stems removed
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, for sauce
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup queso fresco or feta cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauce
  • Salt to taste for sauce and rice

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Food processor
  • medium saucepan

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry. Mix cumin, paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and pepper; rub over chicken. Let rest.
  2. Pulse jalapeños in a food processor. Add 1 cup cilantro, mayonnaise, cheese, garlic, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil; process until smooth. Season with salt.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium high heat. Sear chicken skin side down for 4 to 5 mins; flip and sear 3 mins.
  4. Transfer skillet to a 400°F oven. Roast 20 to 25 mins until internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest 5 mins.
  5. Rinse rice. Boil broth, add rice, cover, and simmer 18 mins. Remove from heat, stand 5 mins. Fluff and stir in ¼ cup cilantro, remaining lime juice, butter, and salt.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat chicken in the oven to keep skin crispy.
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