Peruvian Chicken and Rice
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Prep Time Recipe
Alright, friends, letโs talk about a dish thatโs about to become your go-to meal for weeknight dinners: Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce. I mean, who doesnโt love a meal that feels fancy but actually takes such little time to whip up? ๐ This dish brings a burst of flavor with minimal effort, and I promise you, once you try it, youโll be hooked. So, grab your apron, and letโs get cooking!

Why You Should Try This Recipe
First things first, why even bother making Peruvian chicken and rice? Well, let me break it down for you:
- Delicious Flavors: The chicken marinated in spices brings a taste explosion thatโs unlike your standard grilled chicken. Seriously, no more bland dinners on your watch!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the pantry staples already. No need for a grocery trip thatโll take you longer than the actual cooking!
- Quick Prep Time: This dish packs a punch in flavor without stealing all your evening. Itโs perfect for those days when you just want to hit โrefreshโ on your meal game.
Ready to dive in? Hereโs how to prep this fantastic meal in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the grocery list to get you started. Donโt you just love it when the ingredients list isnโt twice the length of War and Peace? ๐
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if youโre feeling extra healthy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime (hello, freshness!)
For the Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeรฑo (seeds removed for less kick, if youโre not a spice lover)
- 1 clove garlic
- ยฝ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups white rice (or brown, if youโre a health nut)
- 4 cups chicken broth (because who needs water when you can add flavor?)
- Optional add-ins: peas, corn, or diced veggies of your choice
Prep Time Breakdown
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Mix it up: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Add the chicken: Toss your chicken in this glorious mixture until itโs all coated. (Bonus points if you let it marinate for a bit, but honestly, who has that kind of time? Just a quick shake while you preheat the skillet works too!)

Step 2: Make the Green Sauce
- Blend and go: In a food processor or blender, throw in cilantro, jalapeรฑo, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Saucy goodness: Blend until smooth. Tasteโadd more salt or lime juice if you need a little extra zing. You know what they say, the sauce makes the dish!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Sizzle time: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil.
- Cook it: Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature hits 165ยฐF. You want that golden outside and juicy inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
- Boil, boil, toil, and trouble: In another pot, bring your chicken broth to a boil and add the rice. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Fluff it: Once itโs done, give it a good fluff with a fork, and if you want to throw in some frozen peas or corn, now’s the time!
Step 5: Serve It Up
- Plate it all: On a plate, serve your chicken atop a bed of fluffy rice. Drizzle that amazing green sauce over everything.
- Garnish if you want: Feel free to sprinkle some more cilantro or even a lime wedge for presentation (because we eat with our eyes first, right?)
Tips and Tricks for Perfection
Now that youโve made this ridiculously easy and delish meal, here are a few insider tips:
- Meal Prep: Cook extra chicken! Itโs great for salads or wraps during the week. Just donโt tell your coworkersโyouโll have them jealous.
- Customize the Sauce: Not a fan of cilantro? Swap it out for parsley, or add a bit of avocado for creaminess.
- Rice Variations: Go wild with the rice! Add spices, black beans, or even a scoop of salsa for a twist.
Nutrition & Serve Suggestions
Nutrition: This dish is hearty yet packed with flavor. The chicken provides protein, while the cilantro and lime give it that fresh zing! Can we get a round of applause for nutrients? ๐
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve it with a cold beverageโmaybe a refreshing Aguas Frescas or a nice chilled beer (if youโre into that sort of thing).
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks! Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is not just a recipe; itโs a game changer. Youโve got the flavors, the ease of preparation, and the unforgettable green sauce that youโll want to put on everything.
Give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out! And remember, if your dinner crew gives it two thumbs up or wants seconds, donโt blame me; youโll be the culinary hero of the household! Now, go forth and conquer that kitchen.

Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful and easy dish featuring marinated chicken served over rice with a vibrant green sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeรฑo (seeds removed)
- 1 clove garlic
- ยฝ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Optional add-ins: peas, corn, or diced veggies
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss the chicken in the mixture until coated.
- In a food processor, blend cilantro, jalapeรฑo, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF.
- In another pot, bring chicken broth to a boil and add the rice. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Serve the chicken atop the rice and drizzle with green sauce. Garnish with cilantro or a lime wedge if desired.
Notes
For meal prep, cook extra chicken for use in salads or wraps later in the week. Customize the green sauce by swapping cilantro for parsley or adding avocado for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking, Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
