As the sun begins to set and the golden light filters into my kitchen, there’s an undeniable warmth that fills the air—a prelude to something delicious. Today, I’m excited to share my take on Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, a vibrant dish that effortlessly transforms a weeknight into something special. The moment you marinate the chicken with zesty lime juice, fragrant garlic, and fresh cilantro, you’re already guaranteed a flavor explosion that will leave you wondering why you ever relied on takeout.
While this recipe may look gourmet, it’s surprisingly simple, making it an ideal choice for anyone tired of the fast-food grind yet craving something satisfying and homemade. With a perfectly fluffy jasmine rice base and a vibrant green sauce that’s bursting with freshness, this meal is not just a feast for your eyes but also a culinary escape into the heart of Peru. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring a taste of adventure back to your dinner table!
Why You'll Love This Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The bold flavors of marinated chicken and zesty green sauce create a delicious blend that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides or enjoyed on its own, this dish can easily adapt to your dining preferences.
- With its stunning presentation, your plate will be as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Peruvian Chicken & Rice Ingredients
• Discover the essential ingredients for a delightful Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce.
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – a lean protein choice that ensures tenderness.
- Fresh garlic – enhances flavor and brings depth to the marinade.
- Low-sodium soy sauce – adds umami without overwhelming saltiness.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice – provides a zesty brightness that balances the chicken’s richness.
For the Rice
- Long-grain jasmine rice – its fluffy texture pairs beautifully with the succulent chicken.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – infuses the rice with savory flavor and moisture.
For the Green Sauce
- Fresh cilantro leaves – the star of the sauce, offering a vibrant, herby kick.
- Green bell pepper – adds a subtle sweetness and color to the sauce.
Dive into this recipe full of flavors and enjoy a hearty meal that brings your family together!
How to Make Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
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Gather ingredients. Begin by assembling all the ingredients on your countertop. You’ll need chicken, rice, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, lime, and bell pepper to create a flavorful dish.
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Marinate the chicken. In a mixing bowl, blend together soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
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Prepare the rice. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, toast the rice over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and tender.
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Sear the chicken. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
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Make the green sauce. In a blender, combine cilantro, chopped green bell pepper, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant, creating a luscious green sauce to drizzle over the chicken.
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Serve and enjoy. Slice the chicken and serve it over the fluffy rice, then generously drizzle the green sauce on top. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro leaves for a fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Peruvian Chicken & Rice Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that transform your Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce into something uniquely yours!
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Spicy Upgrade: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder to the marinade for a fiery kick that ignites your taste buds.
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Herb Fusion: Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or mint for a different herby layer of flavor that keeps things interesting in the green sauce.
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Rice Alternatives: Swap jasmine rice with quinoa or brown rice for added nutrition and a nutty flavor profile that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Veggie Boost: Sauté a mix of colorful vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn along with the chicken for a hearty addition that brightens your plate.
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Creamy Sauce: Blend in a dollop of creamy avocado or Greek yogurt into the green sauce for a richer, creamier texture that balances out the citrus.
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Lime Zing: Infuse the chicken marinade with additional citrus by adding orange or lemon juice for a tropical twist that enhances the overall brightness.
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Nutty Flavor: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just before serving to give your dish an unexpected crunch and a delightful depth of flavor.
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One-Pot Wonder: For a convenient meal, cook the chicken directly in the pot with the rice, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully in every bite.
How to Store and Freeze Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
Fridge: Store any leftover Peruvian Chicken & Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. This helps maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best results, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and microwave the rice until heated through.
Wrap: If you’re storing leftovers, keep the green sauce in a separate container to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. Use within a week for peak freshness.
Make Ahead Options
These Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce are absolutely perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and cilantro mixture up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen beautifully. Additionally, you can prepare the green sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, make sure to refrigerate the chicken properly and seal the sauce in an airtight container. When it’s time to serve, simply sear the marinated chicken and cook the jasmine rice as instructed. You’ll have a vibrant and flavorful meal ready in no time—perfect for those busy weeknights!
What to Serve with Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce?
Transform your meal into a delightful feast with these perfect pairings that enhance every bite.
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Crispy Roasted Vegetables: A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots adds a satisfying crunch while complementing the vibrant green sauce’s flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery slices infused with garlic create a comforting side that balances the zesty notes of the chicken and rice.
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Fresh Avocado Salad: Creamy avocados tossed with cherry tomatoes and lime vinaigrette bring a refreshing temperature contrast that brightens the dish.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with herbs and spices offers an earthy depth, enhancing the overall complexity of your meal while remaining gluten-free.
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Spicy Black Beans: Rich in protein and bold in flavor, they pack a punch of spice that contrasts beautifully with the herby green sauce, creating a delightful balance.
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Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy, this chutney provides a tropical flair that heightens the dish’s exotic appeal, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
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Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the meal with its refreshing acidity, perfectly offsetting the richness of the chicken.
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Lime Sorbet: For dessert, a light and zesty sorbet cleanses the palate, leaving you feeling refreshed after a hearty meal.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor in your Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, longer is even better.
- When rinsing the jasmine rice, make sure to do so until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and achieve fluffiness.
- Toasting the rice briefly in the pot before adding broth enhances its nuttiness and contributes to a deeper flavor.
- Always ensure your skillet is properly heated before searing the chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and moist.
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting your chicken, look for breasts that are firm and plump without any discoloration. For the green bell pepper, it should be vibrant green without any soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh garlic should have tight, unblemished skins, while cilantro should be bright and fragrant; avoid any bunches that are wilted or turning yellow.
How should I store leftover Peruvian Chicken & Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken moist, you can splash a little chicken broth over the chicken before sealing the container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I freeze Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce?
Certainly! To freeze, separate the chicken and rice into airtight containers or freezer bags and label them with the date. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet and microwave the rice until hot.
What should I do if my chicken is dry after cooking?
If your chicken ends up dry, it could be due to overcooking or not allowing it to rest after cooking. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s around 165°F (75°C). If it is dry, try to slice it thinly and serve it covered with the green sauce, which adds moisture and flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes! This dish is generally gluten-free but double-check your soy sauce for any gluten content if needed. For those allergic to cilantro, feel free to substitute it with parsley or omit it entirely; a little lemon juice can add brightness instead. Always ensure to adjust ingredients according to your dietary needs!
How can I keep the green sauce vibrant and fresh when storing?
To keep your green sauce looking and tasting great, store it in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. Use it within a week for the best freshness. If you notice it starts to change color, that’s a sign it’s past its prime! A good tip is to drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing to help preserve its color.
Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather ingredients. Begin by assembling all the ingredients on your countertop.
- Marinate the chicken. In a mixing bowl, blend together soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and fresh cilantro. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the rice. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, toast the rice over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and tender.
- Sear the chicken. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Make the green sauce. In a blender, combine cilantro, chopped green bell pepper, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Serve and enjoy. Slice the chicken and serve it over the fluffy rice, then generously drizzle the green sauce on top.
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