Homemade Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce: A Flavorful Feast

Peruvian cuisine boasts a vibrant and mouthwatering chicken and rice dish that captures the essence of South American flavors.

The traditional recipe combines succulent poultry with aromatic rice and a signature green sauce that tantalizes taste buds.

Culinary traditions from Peru showcase a remarkable blend of indigenous and immigrant influences that create unique and memorable meals.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the simplicity and depth of this beloved national dish.

Fresh herbs, spices, and carefully selected ingredients transform a classic combination into an extraordinary culinary experience.

The green sauce, often made with cilantro and other zesty components, elevates the entire meal to a celebration of Peruvian gastronomy.

Why Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce Is A Must-Make

• Rapidly prepare a delicious one-pan meal that transforms standard ingredients into an extraordinary dinner experience with minimal effort and cleanup.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Straightforward techniques make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all experience levels, ensuring success even for kitchen beginners.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Combines kid-approved chicken with exciting Peruvian-inspired green sauce, creating a meal that satisfies both adventurous and picky eaters.
• Efficient Weeknight Warrior: Delivers a complete meal in under 40 minutes, with most time spent hands-off simmering and cooking, allowing multitasking during preparation.

What You’ll Need For Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

• Chicken Thighs: Hearty meat that creates main protein base, bone-in and skin-on recommended for richer flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create deep flavor and moisture for cooking chicken and rice.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance chicken's natural taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional flavor profile.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, light Mediterranean-style touch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty, salty finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and creating golden crispy exterior.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds concentrated sweet-tangy flavor and interesting texture complexity.
• Rice: Starchy base that absorbs all delicious cooking liquids and seasonings.

How To Cook Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin-side down in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, cover the pan, and let simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Create Fluffy Rice Base

Add washed rice to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for another 12 minutes or until the broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and keep covered for a few minutes to let steam finish cooking the rice.

Step 4: Enhance with Delicious Extras

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Parmesan cheese

Return the chicken thighs to the pan and serve.

Step 5: Crisp Up the Skin

For extra crispy skin, sear the cooked chicken thighs skin-down in a nonstick pan for 3 minutes without adding oil.

Tips For Better Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

• Perfectly Crisp Chicken Skin: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before searing to achieve maximum crispiness and golden-brown color.
• Boost Rice Flavor: Toast rice in the pan with a bit of olive oil before adding broth to enhance its nutty, rich taste and improve overall dish texture.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for deeper flavor and more tender meat compared to boneless alternatives.
• Customize Green Sauce: Blend fresh cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and Greek yogurt for a zesty, creamy green sauce that complements the chicken and rice perfectly.
• Storage Hack: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating in a covered pan to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

How To Store Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Peruvian chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the green sauce if possible to maintain its fresh flavor.
• Reheating Stovetop: Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Stir gently to redistribute moisture and heat evenly for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave Method: Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure uniform warming.
• Freezing Option: Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.

Tasty Pairings For Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the herbal green sauce.
• Refreshing Cocktail Match: Craft a classic Pisco Sour using Peruvian pisco, which echoes the recipe's South American roots and provides a zesty, citrusy balance to the savory dish.
• Ideal Side Beverage: Select a light, bright lager or pilsner that cleanses the palate and offers a cool contrast to the warm, hearty chicken and rice combination.
• Complementary Herb Drink: Brew a fresh mint or cilantro-infused iced tea that mirrors the green sauce's herbal notes and adds a cooling element to the meal.

Fresh Variations Of Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's authentic flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken thighs with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a meatless option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking broth and cheese labels to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced fresh jalapeños to the green sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes during cooking to elevate the heat level for spice enthusiasts.

Peruvian Chicken And Rice With Green Sauce FAQ

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they cook faster and may dry out more quickly. Use boneless, skinless breasts and reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking.

• What makes the green sauce special for this dish?

The green sauce typically includes ingredients like cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice, creating a vibrant, tangy complement to the rich chicken and rice. Traditional Peruvian green sauces (aji verde) add bright, zesty flavors that elevate the entire meal.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. Double-check ingredient labels to be certain.

• How spicy is the Peruvian green sauce?

Traditional Peruvian green sauce can range from mild to medium-hot, depending on the number of jalapeños or aji peppers used. You can easily adjust the heat level by removing pepper seeds or adding more peppers to suit your taste preference.

Flavorful Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 56 1x

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Description

Hearty Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce brings zesty Latin American flavors to your dinner table. Bold cilantro-packed sauce and tender chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 56 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Base:

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice, washed
• 2 cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or about 10 leaves)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by generously seasoning chicken thighs with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat and introduce olive oil, creating a sizzling surface for searing.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden crust for approximately 4-5 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until both sides achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior.
5. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for about 30 seconds.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a flavorful liquid environment for the meat.
7. Cover the pan and reduce heat, allowing the chicken to gently simmer and tenderize for 12-15 minutes.
8. Introduce washed rice directly into the braising liquid, ensuring even distribution.
9. Lower the heat and cover, permitting the rice to absorb the savory broth for approximately 12 minutes.
10. Once liquid is completely absorbed, remove from heat and let the rice rest, allowing residual steam to complete cooking.
11. Carefully extract the chicken thighs from the pan.
12. Fold sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese into the rice, creating a vibrant and textured side dish.
13. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the rice mixture.
14. For an extra crispy skin finish, briefly sear the chicken thighs skin-side down in a dry nonstick pan for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Chicken Skin Perfection: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before searing to achieve maximum crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
• Low and Slow Rice Technique: Use long-grain white rice for best texture and ensure gentle simmering prevents burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Bloom minced garlic briefly in olive oil before adding chicken to release deeper, richer

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 56
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg