Name: Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 1.5-2 pounds chicken (thighs, breasts, or any cut); 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar; 2 tablespoons oil of choice; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 whole jalapeño chiles, roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 tablespoon butter or oil; 1/4 cup onion, diced (shallot can be substituted); 2-3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 cups chicken stock; 1 cup frozen peas

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you love vibrant flavors and comforting meals, the Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. This dish perfectly balances juicy, marinated chicken coated in fragrant spices with fluffy, turmeric-infused rice and a bright, creamy cilantro-based green sauce. It’s a colorful, satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, bringing the bright, fresh tastes of Peru right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds several large pieces of raw chicken thighs covered in an orange-brown marinade with visible small bits of spices and garlic. The chicken pieces overlap each other, creating a thick layer at the bottom of the bowl, showing a mix of smooth and slightly bumpy skin textures with a shiny, wet look from the marinade. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the warm colors of the chicken and sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic spices to the fresh herbs, every item enhances the final result in a unique way.

Chicken (1.5-2 pounds): Thighs, breasts, or a favorite cut–choose what you love or have on hand to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
Garlic (2-3 cloves minced): Adds a sharp, savory depth to the marinade and rice.
Lime juice or white vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings acidity that brightens and balances the rich chicken marinade.
Oil of choice (2 tablespoons): Helps coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during cooking.
Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Introduces warm, earthy notes central to Peruvian cuisine.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle smoky sweetness that complements the chicken perfectly.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle hint of heat and spice.
Fresh cilantro leaves (1 cup): The star herb of the green sauce with fresh, citrusy brightness.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates creaminess and richness in the green sauce.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tang and smooth texture to balance the herbs and spice.
Jalapeño chiles (2 whole, roughly chopped): Provide a lively kick in the green sauce without overpowering the flavors.
Garlic (2 cloves): Boosts the savory punch in the green sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Blends all green sauce ingredients smoothly.
Lemon or lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds the perfect brightness and acidity to the sauce.
Jasmine rice (1 cup): Light and fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the spices and herbs.
Butter or oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the aromatics in the rice.
Onion (1/4 cup diced): Contributes sweetness and body to the rice.
Garlic (2-3 cloves minced): Infuses the rice with robust flavor.
Turmeric (1 teaspoon): Gives the rice a lovely golden hue and subtle earthiness.
Cumin, onion powder, salt, pepper (1/4 teaspoon each): Create a warm, balanced spice base for the rice.
Chicken stock (2 cups): Adds moisture and depth, cooking the rice to perfect fluffiness.
Frozen peas (1 cup): Provide a pop of color and sweet contrast in the rice.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing together the garlic, lime juice or vinegar, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a good portion of the fresh cilantro in a medium bowl. Reserve about a quarter of this marinade separately for basting later. Add your chicken to the marinade, coating every piece thoroughly, then cover and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight works even better. This step is key because it allows all those fantastic flavors to sink deep into the meat, promising tender, juicy chicken that bursts with spice and aroma.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

While the chicken marinates, wash the jasmine rice until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain. In a pot, melt the butter or heat oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to toast the spices lightly. Next, stir in the rice until it’s well coated and aromatic. Pour in the chicken stock, bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Finally, fold in the peas, cover again, and let the rice rest and steam for another 5 to 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This method results in rice that’s fluffy, vibrant, and perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Whether you prefer grilling or baking, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for safety and juiciness. If grilling, heat to medium-high and cook chicken 5 to 7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra flavor and moisture. If baking, preheat the oven to 450ºF, place chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan, and bake for about 30 minutes, also brushing with reserved marinade halfway through. Both methods develop a lovely char and keep the chicken succulent.

Step 4: Blend the Green Sauce

Place fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, roughly chopped jalapeños, garlic cloves, olive oil, and fresh lemon or lime juice into a blender. Pulse for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This luscious green sauce cuts through the richness of the chicken and rice, adding a fresh, herbaceous kick that is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

A black pot filled with a single layer of yellow rice mixed with small pieces of onions and spices is seen from above. A golden brown liquid broth is being poured into the pot from a clear measuring cup on the right side, creating a shiny wet spot in the middle of the rice. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, and the scene is brightly lit to highlight the texture of the rice grains and broth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves brightens every bite and adds a lovely pop of green. A wedge of lime on the side invites diners to add an extra splash of acidity if they like. For a touch of crunch, thinly sliced red onions or crispy fried shallots are wonderful options to sprinkle on top.

Side Dishes

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe stands boldly on its own, but pairing it with a simple fresh salad or roasted vegetables adds extra texture and color to your plate. A light cucumber salad with a squeeze of lime or a tangy pickled vegetable mix pairs beautifully to cool and complement the smoky heat of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve this dish straight from the skillet or baking sheet family-style so everyone can dig in. For a more elegant presentation, spoon the turmeric rice into a neat mound, slice the chicken attractively, and drizzle the green sauce artfully around the plate. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can elevate it further for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the chicken and rice separate from the green sauce to preserve their individual textures and flavors before reheating and serving again.

Freezing

Both the cooked chicken and rice freeze well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to two months. The green sauce should remain fresh in the refrigerator for two to three days and is best made fresh, but you can freeze a small portion if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Avoid overheating the chicken to keep it juicy. Add a fresh drizzle of the green sauce just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well and are a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster than thighs. Marinating really helps keep them tender.

What can I substitute if I don’t have jalapeños for the green sauce?

You can use other mild green chiles or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want heat but no jalapeños on hand. Adjust the quantity gradually to keep the sauce balanced.

Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?

Soaking jasmine rice helps remove excess starch and promotes a fluffier texture. While not absolutely essential, it does make a noticeable difference in the final rice texture.

Can I make the green sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with vegan alternatives or use a blend of avocado and olive oil for creaminess while keeping that vibrant green color.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate, with a pleasant kick from the jalapeños in the green sauce. It’s flavorful without being overwhelming, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing the jalapeños or removing the seeds.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to create this flavor-packed Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe, you’re ready to bring something fresh and exciting to your dinner table. It’s as perfect for a cozy night in as it is for impressing friends with minimal fuss. Give it a try — once you experience the combination of juicy chicken, aromatic rice, and that irresistible green sauce, you’ll wonder why this wasn’t on your regular rotation sooner!