There’s something magical about a dish that melds vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients—it picks you up, soothes your soul, and often ties back to cherished memories. For me, that dish is Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce. The memories flood back of lazy Sunday afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would harness the spirit of Peru through aromatic herbs and spices, filling the air with the promise of comfort and joy.
As we gather around the table, my family and I eagerly await the moment that the golden, perfectly cooked chicken emerges, its enticing scent mingling with the bouquet of fresh herbs. This recipe not only takes me back; it invites you to partake in this delightful tradition. And let me tell you, the green sauce is show-stopping! It brings a fresh, zesty kick that truly elevates the dish—ready to make your taste buds dance?
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 30 minutes
- Active Cooking: 25 minutes
- Total Duration: 55 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 2
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 480
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fats: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
This dish is everything you want in a weeknight meal: quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and deeply satisfying. The marinated chicken is tender and juicy, while the jasmine rice absorbs all the delicious broth, making it fragrant and fluffy. But the true star here is the vibrant green sauce, a neon celebration of herbs and zest. It adds brightness and excitement that transforms simple ingredients into a show-off dish worthy of any dinner guest.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s take a step-by-step journey through this delicious endeavor, where each action brings us closer to culinary bliss.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in a lovely mixture of olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let them soak in this delightful combination for at least 30 minutes. This not only infuses flavor but keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes on each side. When done, remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes—this locks in even more flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil if necessary and then toss in the rice. Toast it for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, giving it a nutty aroma that will take this dish to the next level.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Next, pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. It’s like waiting for a present to be unwrapped!
Step 5: Blend the Green Sauce
While your rice is cooking, grab a food processor and blend together the cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This green sauce is your secret weapon—vibrant, fresh, and aromatic!
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Once everything is ready, plate the chicken on top of the beautifully fluffy jasmine rice and generously drizzle with that stunning green sauce. Garnish with a lime wedge, and voilà! Your Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is ready for its debut.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs perfectly with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad to bring in some crunch and color. If you want to enhance the flavor experience, consider serving it with a light Peruvian beer or a refreshing iced tea infused with mint.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt you will), store the chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or over low heat in a skillet. The green sauce can also be stored separately and enjoyed the next day—its flavors will deepen, creating a delightful topping for many dishes!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Don’t rush the resting time for the chicken—it’s important for keeping it juicy!
- Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the green sauce by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- For a twist, try replacing jasmine rice with quinoa for added nutrition.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Want to mix it up? Consider substituting the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or experiment with adding different herbs like mint or basil to the green sauce. You can also add diced bell peppers or other veggies to the rice during cooking for added texture and flavor.
Reader Questions & Solutions
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Question: Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine?
- Solution: Yes! Just remember that brown rice may require more liquid and a longer cooking time—about 25-30 minutes instead of 15.
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Question: What can I do to make the green sauce less spicy?
- Solution: Simply reduce the amount of jalapeño or remove the seeds completely for a milder flavor.
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Question: What side dishes would pair well with this?
- Solution: A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even plantains would complement the meal beautifully!
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Question: How can I ensure my chicken stays moist?
- Solution: Allowing it to marinate, cooking it properly, and resting it after cooking are key steps for juicy chicken.
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Question: Can I freeze leftovers?
- Solution: Yes, both the rice and chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in airtight containers!
Wrapping Up
Cooking is a beautiful way to share love, and this Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce is no exception. It invites warmth into your home and flavor into your plate, creating memories that will last far longer than the meal itself. So gather your ingredients and indulge in this delightful dish. I can’t wait to hear your stories and experiences as you embark on this delicious journey! Happy cooking!
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Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful dish of marinated chicken served over fluffy jasmine rice with a vibrant green sauce that brings a zesty kick.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 jalapeño, seeded
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add marinated chicken, and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
- Blend cilantro, parsley, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth for the green sauce.
- Plate chicken over the jasmine rice, drizzle with green sauce, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Letting the chicken marinate overnight can enhance the flavor. Adjust the spice level of the green sauce by modifying jalapeño amounts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
