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Peruvian Chicken and Rice


  • Author: Marina Savoy
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This easy Peruvian-inspired meal combines marinated grilled chicken, turmeric-spiced rice, and a tangy cilantro green sauce. It’s bold, comforting, and ready in under an hour.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1.52 lbs chicken thighs or breasts

  • 3 tbsp olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Yellow Rice:

  • 1½ cups jasmine or basmati rice

  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • ½ cup diced onion or shallots

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2½ cups chicken broth

  • ¾ cup frozen peas

For the Green Sauce (Ají Verde):

  • 1 cup fresh cilantro

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 2 jalapeños, seeded

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 1 tbsp lime or lemon juice

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt to taste


Instructions

  • Mix marinade and coat chicken. Let sit 1 hour (or overnight).

  • Blend green sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill.

  • Grill chicken 5–7 mins/side or bake at 450°F for 25–30 mins.

  • Sauté onion and garlic in butter. Add spices and rice.

  • Pour in broth, simmer covered 15–18 mins. Stir in peas at the end.

  • Plate rice, top with chicken, drizzle green sauce.

Notes

  • Make the sauce ahead for even better flavor.
  • For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds.
  • Swap mayo/sour cream for Greek yogurt to lighten the sauce.
  • Use chicken thighs for the juiciest results.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilled or Baked
  • Cuisine: Peruvian-Inspired