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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice recipe features juicy marinated chicken grilled or baked to perfection, served alongside fragrant turmeric jasmine rice with peas, and topped with a vibrant, creamy cilantro jalapeño green sauce. The dish combines bold Peruvian-inspired flavors like cumin, smoked paprika, lime, and fresh cilantro for a deliciously balanced meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 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

Green Sauce

  • 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

Turmeric Jasmine Rice

  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced (or shallot)
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice or white vinegar, oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Reserve about 1/4 of the marinade mixture and set aside for basting. Add the chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Preheat Cooking Equipment: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or alternatively, preheat your oven to 450ºF (230ºC). If you plan to serve with rice, you can begin preparing it at this time.
  3. Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the preheated grill. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the chicken is cooked through. Remember to brush the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through grilling to keep it moist and flavorful.
  4. Bake Chicken (Alternative Method): If baking, place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Brush with the reserved marinade halfway through baking for added moisture and flavor.
  5. Prepare Turmeric Jasmine Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 10-15 minutes and drain. In a pot, sauté diced onion (or shallot) and minced garlic in butter or oil over medium heat until softened. Add the drained rice along with turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low. Let cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. Stir in frozen peas, cover again, and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  6. Make Green Sauce: Add fresh cilantro leaves, mayonnaise, sour cream, roughly chopped jalapeño chiles, garlic, olive oil, and lime or lemon juice into a blender. Pulse for about 30 seconds until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Serve: Plate a serving of the turmeric jasmine rice, top with the grilled or baked chicken, and drizzle generously with the creamy green sauce. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Peruvian-inspired meal!

Notes

  • For juicier chicken, marinate overnight.
  • Adjust the number of jalapeños in the green sauce for preferred heat level.
  • Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs; adjust grilling time accordingly.
  • Rice soaking enhances texture but can be skipped if short on time.
  • May substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt in the green sauce for a lighter option.

Keywords: Peruvian chicken, grilled chicken, turmeric rice, cilantro green sauce, Latin American recipe, easy dinner, flavorful chicken, jasmine rice, spicy sauce

Find it online: https://lieblingsmahlzeit.com/peruvian-chicken-and-rice-with-green-sauce-recipe/