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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

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A comforting and vibrant Peruvian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet peas, finished with a bright, creamy green sauce (Aji Verde). Perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal or a festive dinner with friends and family.

  • Total Time: 70 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde):
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 small jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season chicken with cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in the same pan for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add rice and stir 1 minute to coat in oil and spices. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in peas and return chicken to the pan. Cover and cook another 5 minutes until rice is fluffy and peas are tender.
  6. Add chopped cilantro and lime juice, fluff with a fork, and season to taste.
  7. For the green sauce, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Serve chicken and rice in bowls, drizzle generously with green sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor, adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter green sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet & Simmered
  • Cuisine: Peruvian