Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce is a dish that delivers bold, unforgettable flavor while remaining deeply comforting and approachable. Known for its vibrant spices, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and iconic green sauce (aji verde), this meal brings together heat, creaminess, citrus, and herbaceous freshness in perfect harmony.

This dish is inspired by traditional Peruvian flavors but adapted for the home cook. You don’t need specialty equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything comes together with pantry staples and fresh herbs, making it realistic for weeknights while still impressive enough for guests.

The magic of this meal lies in contrast. The chicken is deeply seasoned and roasted or pan-cooked until golden. The rice is aromatic and fluffy, absorbing all the savory juices. And the green sauce? Creamy, spicy, tangy, and addictive — it ties the entire dish together and elevates it from simple to unforgettable.

What Makes Peruvian Chicken So Special?

Peruvian cuisine is famous for its balance of bold spices, fresh herbs, and bright acidity. Peruvian-style chicken often uses a blend of cumin, paprika, garlic, and citrus to create deep flavor without heaviness.

Unlike breaded or sauced chicken dishes, this style focuses on seasoning the meat thoroughly and cooking it until juicy with crisp edges. The rice complements the chicken by absorbing those spices while staying light and fluffy.

The green sauce, commonly known as aji verde, is what truly defines the dish. Made with cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime, and a creamy base, it delivers heat and freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

Chicken thighs or drumsticks
Garlic cloves, minced
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Onion powder
Salt
Black pepper
Lime juice
Olive oil

For the Rice

Long-grain rice
Chicken broth
Garlic
Turmeric or cumin (for color and flavor)
Salt
Olive oil

For the Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

Fresh cilantro
Jalapeños
Garlic
Mayonnaise
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Lime juice
Olive oil
Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp. Flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

In a saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic briefly. Add rice, turmeric, salt, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy. Let rest, then fluff with a fork.

Step 4: Make the Green Sauce

Blend cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, and salt until smooth and vibrant. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Assemble

Serve chicken over rice and drizzle generously with green sauce. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.