Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Peruvian cuisine! The flavors are just out of this world, and one dish that always takes me back is Peruvian chicken rice green sauce. I remember the first time I had this vibrant meal at a local restaurant. The tender chicken, fragrant rice, and that bright green sauce—it was like a party for my taste buds! It’s such a well-rounded dish that combines comfort and freshness all in one bite. Trust me, once you try making it at home, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. It’s perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself to a delicious dinner. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this amazing dish in your own kitchen!
Ingredients for Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
To make this scrumptious Peruvian chicken rice green sauce, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor! Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 2 cups of white rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of fresh cilantro, packed
- 1 jalapeno, seeded (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced (fresh is best!)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
Make sure to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps keep it fluffy. And remember, fresh herbs make a world of difference in this dish, so grab that cilantro right before you start cooking!
How to Prepare Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
Alright, let’s get cooking! I promise, once you follow these steps, you’ll have a delicious plate of Peruvian chicken rice green sauce that will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- First things first, rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is super important because it helps remove excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy and perfect.
- In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking, so keep an eye on it!
- Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them generously with salt. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re beautifully browned all over. This step is key for flavor!
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it’ll finish cooking later.
- In the same pot, add your rinsed rice and stir it around for about 2 minutes. This toasting brings out such a lovely nutty flavor!
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. That’s when the magic starts happening!
- Now, return the browned chicken back to the pot, cover it, and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all those delicious flavors.
- While that’s simmering, let’s make the green sauce! In a blender, combine the cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until smooth and vibrant—this is the heart of your dish!
- Once the rice is ready, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up a bit. Serve the chicken on top of the rice and drizzle that amazing green sauce over everything. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delightful Peruvian chicken rice green sauce has about 600 calories, with 20g of fat, 35g of protein, and 75g of carbohydrates. These figures are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the delicious fuel you’re enjoying. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Tips for Success with Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
To really elevate your Peruvian chicken rice green sauce, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip the toasting step for the rice; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor that you’ll love. If you want a bit more kick, feel free to add an extra jalapeno or even some crushed red pepper flakes to the green sauce. And remember, fresh cilantro is key—if you can, use it right before blending for the best taste. Also, letting your dish rest for a few minutes after cooking allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Variations of Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
One of the best things about Peruvian chicken rice green sauce is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cilantro for fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile. You can also play around with the spice level—add some extra jalapenos or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hot! For a veggie boost, toss in some diced bell peppers or peas during the cooking process. And if you want to switch up the protein, shredded pork or tofu works beautifully as well. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
When it comes to enjoying your Peruvian chicken rice green sauce, there are so many delicious sides that can elevate your meal! I love serving it with a simple side salad made of fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. Plantains, either fried or roasted, add a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken. You could also whip up some grilled corn on the cob for a delightful crunch. And don’t forget some warm, crusty bread to soak up that amazing green sauce! Trust me, you’ll want every last drop.
FAQ About Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce
Got questions about making Peruvian chicken rice green sauce? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. It’s a great way to make this dish even healthier!
What if I don’t have a blender for the green sauce?
No worries! You can finely chop the cilantro, jalapeno, and garlic by hand and mix them with lime juice and olive oil in a bowl. It might not be as smooth, but it will still taste fantastic!
Can I make the green sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it ahead can help the flavors meld together beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before serving!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Peruvian chicken rice green sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken and rice on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivities. Enjoy without worry!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup for a comforting meal!
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Peruvian Chicken Rice Green Sauce: 7 Flavor-Packed Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful dish featuring chicken, rice, and a vibrant green sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of white rice
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cilantro
- 1 jalapeno, seeded
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt. Cook until browned.
- Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pot, add the rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the chicken back to the pot, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- In a blender, combine cilantro, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Serve the chicken over rice and drizzle with green sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less jalapeno.
- Let the rice rest for 5 minutes after cooking before serving.
- Green sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: peruvian chicken, rice, green sauce
