Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Chicken, Dessert, Lunch, Main, Main Course, Rice
Cuisine Peru
Keyword Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Servings 4
Juicy marinated chicken with yellow rice and Peruvian green sauce—this bold, flavorful dish is a complete meal you'll love!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 –2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons oil olive or neutral
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Green Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 jalapeño chiles chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
  • Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the Peruvian Yellow Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup onion or shallot diced
  • 2 –3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp each: cumin onion powder, salt, pepper
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a medium bowl, mix the garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside 1/4 of this marinade for basting. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Tip: Use thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.

Cook the Chicken

  • You can either grill or bake the chicken, depending on your preference and season.

To Grill:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Brush with reserved marinade halfway through.

To Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, brushing with marinade halfway through.

Make the Yellow Rice

  • Wash and soak the jasmine rice for 10–15 minutes, then drain.
  • In a pot, sauté diced onion and garlic in butter until fragrant. Add the rice and spices (turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper), stirring for about a minute.
  • Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in peas, cover again, and let rest off heat for 5–10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Blend the Green Sauce

  • Combine all green sauce ingredients in a blender: cilantro, mayo, sour cream, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Want it spicier? Leave in the jalapeño seeds or add an extra pepper.

Serve It Up

  • Scoop rice onto plates, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle generously with green sauce. Serve extra sauce on the side—it’s addictively good.