Authentic Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru with this Authentic Peruvian Chicken & Rice with Green Sauce. This dish combines succulent chicken, cilantro-infused rice, and a zesty green sauce for a truly comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
- Long-grain white rice
- Fresh cilantro (1 ½ cups for rice, more for green sauce)
- Aji amarillo paste
- Peruvian soffritto (aderezo) ingredients: red onion, garlic, aji amarillo paste
- Green peas
- Diced carrots
- Diced red bell pepper
- Good quality chicken broth (4 cups)
- Non-alcoholic beer alternative or white wine vinegar/lime juice
- Cumin
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Huacatay paste (optional)
- Mayonnaise
- Queso fresco or feta cheese
- Fresh lime juice
- Garlic (1 clove)
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry, season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Heat oil in a pot, sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown, then set aside.
- Build the Aderezo (Soffritto): Sauté diced red onion in the same pot until softened, then add minced garlic, aji amarillo paste, and cumin. Cook until fragrant.
- Add the Cilantro Base: Blend fresh cilantro with chicken broth until smooth. Stir into the pot and cook until the color deepens.
- Incorporate Vegetables and Liquid: Return seared chicken to the pot, add diced carrots, red bell pepper, and half of the peas. Pour in chicken broth and beer alternative, bring to a boil.
- Add the Rice and Cook: Stir in rinsed rice, ensure it's submerged, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes without lifting the lid, then let sit for another 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Green Sauce (Aji Verde): Blend remaining cilantro, aji amarillo paste, huacatay paste, mayonnaise, queso fresco, lime juice, garlic, and water until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Fluff the rice, check chicken for doneness, and serve with a generous dollop of Aji Verde.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor. Rinse rice thoroughly to avoid stickiness. Adjust the heat level of the Aji Verde to your preference.