The aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through the air as you prepare to make Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that envelops your senses in a warm hug of spices and zest.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How spicy is the green sauce?
- Can I use brown rice instead of white?
- What’s a good side dish for Peruvian Chicken & Rice?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a cozy gathering where laughter dances through the room like the vibrant colors of this dish. Your friends take their first bite, their faces lighting up as if you’ve just revealed the secret to life itself—okay, maybe not that dramatic, but close enough! The anticipation builds as everyone dives in for seconds (and sometimes thirds), leaving no grain of rice behind.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This flavorful Peruvian chicken and rice is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for gatherings
- Bursting with fresh ingredients and zesty flavors, it appeals to all ages
- The vivid colors make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Easily adaptable to suit various dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation
Family gatherings are always filled with excitement when I serve this dish; my cousin once asked if I had hidden some kind of magic in the green sauce.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 pieces are ideal here; adjust based on your crowd size or appetite.
- Long-Grain Rice: I prefer using jasmine rice for its fragrant quality that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: Choose vibrant bunches; they add a punchy flavor that’s essential for the green sauce.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens every element of this recipe; bottled just won’t cut it.
- Garlic: Use fresh cloves; they provide rich depth compared to pre-minced options.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
- Poblano Peppers: These mild peppers create a lovely smoky note; remove seeds for less heat.
- Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil will elevate this dish’s overall taste profile significantly.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Baking Powder (optional): If desired, sprinkle a bit on your rice before cooking for fluffiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare your kitchen because we’re about to embark on a delightful culinary adventure!
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step infuses wonderful flavors.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear each side of the marinated chicken until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side—your kitchen will smell divine!
Cook the Rice: In another pot, combine rinsed long-grain rice with 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until tender—about 15-20 minutes—fluffing occasionally.
Create the Green Sauce: Blend cilantro leaves with poblano peppers in a food processor until smooth. Gradually add olive oil and season with salt; taste-test like it’s an Olympic sport.
Combine Everything: Once both chicken and rice are ready, serve them together on plates or in bowls. Drizzle that luscious green sauce generously over everything—it’s like wearing a fancy outfit without needing an event!
Enjoying homemade Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is more than just dinner; it’s creating memories around your table while savoring each mouthful of flavor-packed goodness!
You Must Know
- Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a flavorful delight that transforms any meal into a fiesta
- The vibrant green sauce not only adds color but also a zesty kick, elevating the dish to new heights
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour, then sear it before cooking the rice, allowing all those delicious juices to mingle.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spices or add veggies like peas and carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust the heat level in the green sauce!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for the green sauce; they make a world of difference in flavor
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender
- Always taste your rice as it cooks to ensure perfect doneness
Cooking this dish reminds me of family gatherings, where my cousins would sneak spoonfuls of chicken while I was busy plating. Their laughter filled the room, making every bite even more delicious.
FAQ
How spicy is the green sauce?
The green sauce can be adjusted based on your spice preference by altering jalapeño amounts.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you will need to adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer.
What’s a good side dish for Peruvian Chicken & Rice?
A fresh salad or steamed vegetables pairs wonderfully with this main dish.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant dish that marries tender chicken and fluffy rice with a zesty, herbaceous sauce. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Long-grain jasmine rice
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Garlic
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Poblano peppers
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear marinated chicken until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side).
- In a pot, cook rinsed jasmine rice with chicken broth; bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Blend cilantro and poblano peppers in a food processor, gradually adding olive oil and seasoning with salt to create the green sauce.
- Serve the chicken over rice and drizzle generously with green sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Cooking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg