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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Peruvian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring marinated grilled chicken served over saffron yellow rice with peas, topped with a creamy green sauce (ají verde). Perfect for a weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

For the Yellow Rice:

  • 1 tbsp oil or butter
  • 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tsp turmeric or saffron threads
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt to taste

For the Peruvian Green Sauce (Ají Verde):

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (stems removed)
  • 12 jalapeños, seeded (or ají amarillo if available)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan or olive oil for richness

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken – Combine all marinade ingredients, coat the chicken, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (preferably 4–8 hours).
  2. Cook the Rice – In a saucepan, heat oil, toast rice, add chicken broth, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in peas in the last 5 minutes.
  3. Grill or Sear Chicken – Heat a grill pan or skillet, cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
  4. Make the Green Sauce – Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust consistency with water or lime juice.
  5. Assemble & Serve – Plate the rice, top with grilled chicken, drizzle or serve with green sauce on the side, and garnish with cilantro.

Notes

  • Make the green sauce spicy by keeping the seeds or adding serrano pepper.
  • This recipe also works beautifully with boneless chicken thighs on the grill.
  • Serve with lime wedges or a simple cucumber salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg