There’s something magical about the aroma of Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Each bite bursts with flavor, as if a fiesta is happening right on your plate. The tender chicken mingling with fluffy rice, all drizzled in that vibrant green sauce, is a dish that’ll make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching.
This dish isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to culinary escapades and fond memories. Picture this: a cozy family gathering where laughter fills the air, and everyone digs in with joyful anticipation. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every moment as this dish brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful
- The colors pop on your plate, making it visually stunning
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish is versatile for any occasion
There was that one time my friends gathered for dinner, and I served this dish. Their eyes lit up, and I knew I had created something special when they went back for seconds—well, at least those who could still move after the first helping.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 chicken breasts; they cook evenly and soak up flavors beautifully.
White Rice: A staple side that absorbs the amazing flavors from the chicken and sauce perfectly.
Fresh Cilantro: Choose vibrant green cilantro for that fresh kick in the green sauce.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds brightness; bottled juice just won’t cut it here.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic offers robust flavor; avoid powdered garlic if possible for the best taste.
Poblano Peppers: These mild peppers bring a gentle heat; roasting them enhances their sweetness.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness when sautéed; opt for yellow onions for a well-rounded flavor.
Olive Oil: This helps sauté everything before adding in the main ingredients; extra virgin is best!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing all the flavors in this comforting dish.
For the Sauce:
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess to the green sauce; Greek yogurt works as a great substitute too!
Avocado: Ripe avocados blend smoothly into the sauce, giving it richness and body.
Cumin Powder: Just a pinch of cumin elevates the flavor profile with its warm, earthy tones.
Jalapeño (optional): Add if you like some spice! Remove seeds for less heat.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Chop your vegetables like onions, garlic, and poblanos while you daydream about how delicious dinner will be.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes each side—and then transfer them to a plate.
Add Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in chopped onions, garlic cloves, and roasted poblano peppers. Sauté until fragrant—around 3-4 minutes—until they soften and sweeten up.
Cook Your Rice: Pour in rinsed white rice along with chicken broth into the skillet. Bring everything to a boil before reducing to low heat. Let it simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Create That Green Sauce: While your rice cooks away blissfully, blend together cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, avocado, cumin powder, salt, and jalapeño (if using) until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed—this sauce should be zesty!
Combine & Serve: Once your rice has absorbed all that delicious broth goodness and fluffed up nicely, nestle your cooked chicken back into that flavorful mix. Drizzle generously with your vibrant green sauce before serving—it’s eye candy on a plate!
Enjoying Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce makes every meal feel like an adventure straight from Lima’s bustling markets to your dinner table. So grab your forks—happiness awaits!
You Must Know
- This Peruvian chicken and rice with green sauce is a culinary journey, combining vibrant flavors and aromas that transport you straight to the streets of Lima
- The dish is not only delicious but can easily be adapted to suit your taste
- Its colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes as well
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating the chicken while cooking the rice, then finish with the vibrant green sauce for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp, and play with spices like cumin or smoked paprika to keep things exciting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect results, always ensure your chicken is room temperature before cooking
- Letting it rest after cooking enhances juiciness and flavor
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream to your green sauce
Sharing this dish with friends during game night made me realize how everyone has their own favorite twist on it. Hearing their variations was as fun as the food itself!
FAQ
What can I serve with Peruvian chicken and rice?
Pair it with a fresh salad or some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
How long does it take to cook Peruvian chicken?
Cooking the chicken usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on thickness.
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Peru to your table. Juicy chicken breast sits atop fluffy white rice, all drizzled in a zesty green sauce made from fresh cilantro, lime juice, and creamy avocado. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to impress. With its colorful presentation and delightful taste, every bite feels like a celebration!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 roasted poblano peppers, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe avocado
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Start by washing and drying the chicken breasts. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown; transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions, garlic, and roasted poblano peppers, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover for approximately 20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Meanwhile, blend cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, avocado, cumin powder, salt, and jalapeño (if using) until smooth.
- Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle with green sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
