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Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce Rocks

Juicy Peruvian chicken meets fluffy Peruvian rice and vibrant green sauce in this flavor-packed dinner. Simple to prepare yet totally impressive, this recipe highlights lime, garlic, herbs, and gentle spice — a perfect mix of comfort and freshness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 2 lb 900 g chicken thighs, boneless skinless
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Rice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice rinsed
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Green Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh cilantro packed
  • 1 –2 green chiles jalapeño or similar, seeded if preferred
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Pinch salt

Method
 

  1. Marinate: Whisk oil, garlic, lime juice, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and refrigerate 30 minutes (or overnight).
  2. Cook rice: Sauté onion in oil. Stir in rice and toast 1–2 minutes. Add broth, cumin, and salt. Simmer covered 15–18 minutes. Rest 5 minutes, then fluff and stir in cilantro.
  3. Cook chicken: Sear chicken over medium-high heat 6–8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  4. Blend sauce: Combine cilantro, chiles, garlic, lime, yogurt/mayo, oil, and salt. Blend smooth.
  5. Serve: Spoon rice onto plates, top with chicken, and drizzle generously with green sauce.

Notes

Thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breasts work with a slightly shorter cook time.
Adjust spice level by adding or removing chile seeds.
Stir peas or bell peppers into the rice for extra color and nutrition.
Keep sauce separate if storing — add just before serving for the best texture.
A delicious introduction to authentic-style Peruvian recipes at home.