Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce – Juicy, Flavorful & Complete Meal!
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels bold, comforting, and exciting all at once, Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce delivers on every level. This dish brings together juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, fragrant rice, and a creamy, zesty green sauce that ties everything together into one unforgettable meal.
Inspired by the flavors of Peruvian cuisine—particularly the beloved pollo a la brasa—this recipe captures that signature balance of smoky spices, citrus brightness, and herbaceous freshness. It’s the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is completely achievable at home, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
What truly sets this dish apart is the green sauce. Creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and packed with fresh herbs, it transforms simple chicken and rice into something crave-worthy. Drizzle it generously, spoon it on the side, or mix it straight into your rice—however you serve it, this sauce steals the show.
Why This Peruvian Chicken and Rice Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s thoughtfully balanced and incredibly practical. Here’s why it becomes an instant favorite:
- Juicy, well-seasoned chicken with bold spices
- Fluffy, aromatic rice that soaks up every bit of flavor
- Creamy Peruvian green sauce that adds brightness and heat
- Complete, satisfying meal all in one bowl
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
It’s hearty without being heavy and flavorful without being complicated.
A Closer Look at the Flavors
Peruvian-inspired chicken is known for its deep, savory seasoning. Garlic, cumin, paprika, and citrus work together to create layers of flavor that penetrate the meat. Cooking the chicken until golden ensures a beautiful exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
The rice is more than just a side—it’s an essential component. Lightly seasoned and cooked in broth, it provides a warm, neutral base that perfectly complements the bold chicken and vibrant sauce.
And then there’s the green sauce. Made with fresh cilantro, lime, garlic, and a creamy base, it adds contrast and freshness, cutting through the richness and bringing everything into balance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
For the Rice
- Long-grain rice
- Chicken broth
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
For the Green Sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeños
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Salt
Each ingredient plays a specific role, building layers of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, then finish cooking until fully done and juicy. Set aside to rest.
3. Prepare the Rice
In a saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add rice and stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the rice is tender and fluffy.
4. Make the Green Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, mayonnaise or yogurt, olive oil, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant.
5. Assemble the Dish
Serve the chicken over a bed of rice and drizzle generously with green sauce. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime if desired.
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate chicken with spices, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked; rest before serving.
- Sauté onion and garlic, add rice and broth, and cook until fluffy.
- Blend green sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Serve chicken over rice and drizzle with green sauce.
Notes
Tips for the Juiciest Chicken
- Use thighs instead of breasts for maximum juiciness.
- Don’t skip the marinade, even a short rest boosts flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep juices locked in.
- Cook until just done, avoiding overcooking.
These simple tips make a noticeable difference.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize:
- Grilled Version: Grill the chicken for smoky flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Rice Upgrade: Stir peas or corn into the rice.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free Sauce: Use a plant-based mayo alternative.
Each variation keeps the essence of the dish while adapting to your needs.
What to Serve on the Side
Although this is a complete meal, you can round it out with:
- Simple tomato and avocado salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Fried plantains
- Warm flatbread or rolls
These sides complement the flavors without stealing the spotlight.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
This dish is excellent for meal prep. Cook the chicken, rice, and sauce separately and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently and add sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor.
The green sauce can also be made ahead and actually improves after resting for a few hours.
Nutritional Balance You’ll Appreciate
This meal offers a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken provides satisfying protein, the rice delivers energy, and the green sauce adds healthy fats and fresh herbs. It’s filling, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.
A Taste of Peruvian Inspiration
Peruvian cuisine is celebrated for its bold flavors and diverse influences. Pollo a la brasa, one of Peru’s most iconic dishes, inspired this recipe with its emphasis on seasoned chicken and vibrant sauces. This simplified, home-friendly version captures that spirit while fitting easily into everyday cooking.
Final Thoughts
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce – Juicy, Flavorful & Complete Meal! is more than just dinner—it’s a bowl of comfort, color, and bold flavor. Every bite delivers juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and that unforgettable green sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Once you make this dish, it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
