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
For the Chicken:
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1.5–2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp lime juice or vinegar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Yellow Rice:
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1½ cups jasmine or basmati rice
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1 tbsp butter or olive oil
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½ cup diced onion or shallots
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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½ tsp turmeric
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2½ cups chicken broth
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¾ cup frozen peas
For the Green Sauce (Ají Verde):
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1 cup fresh cilantro
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
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2 jalapeños, seeded
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1 garlic clove
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1 tbsp lime or lemon juice
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt to taste
Instructions
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Mix marinade and coat chicken. Let sit 1 hour (or overnight).
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Blend green sauce ingredients until smooth. Chill.
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Grill chicken 5–7 mins/side or bake at 450°F for 25–30 mins.
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Sauté onion and garlic in butter. Add spices and rice.
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Pour in broth, simmer covered 15–18 mins. Stir in peas at the end.
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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