Easy Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Juicy, herb-marinated chicken served with fluffy rice and topped with a bright, zesty green sauce called aji verde. This dish is vibrant, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
500g chicken thighs or breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
For the Rice
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
For the Peruvian Green Sauce
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
½ cup Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeno or green chili
1 clove garlic
2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
2–3 tbsp water
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
Sliced avocado
Lime wedges
Fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice
In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in broth, add salt, bring to a boil.
Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is cooked and fluffy.
2. Prepare and Cook Chicken
Mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
Rub over chicken pieces.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
Remove and let rest for 2 minutes, then slice.
3. Make the Green Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, Greek yogurt, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and a little water.
Blend until smooth.
Adjust salt and pepper; add more water if needed for desired consistency.
4. Assemble the Bowl
Place a serving of rice in each bowl.
Top with sliced chicken.
Drizzle generously with green sauce.
Optional: garnish with avocado slices, lime wedges, and extra cilantro.
Tips
Non-spicy version: Omit jalapeno or use a mild green chili.
Extra flavor: Marinate chicken for 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor.
Meal prep: Keep chicken and rice separate from the green sauce; drizzle sauce before serving.
Vegetarian alternative: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or tofu.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35 g
Carbs: 45 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g