Go Back
+ servings
Peruvian Chicken and Rice

Peruvian Chicken and Rice: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food

Experience a flavor explosion with this Peruvian Chicken and Rice recipe, versatile and gluten-free.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Peruvian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 pound chicken thighs or chickpeas for vegetarian option
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup lime juice or vinegar as substitute
  • 2 tablespoons oil olive or vegetable
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste
For the Rice and Vegetables
  • 1 cup long-grain or jasmine rice rinsed
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil as lighter alternative
  • 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup frozen peas or fresh
For the Green Sauce
  • 1 cup cilantro or parsley as substitute
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 medium jalapeño deseeded for less heat if desired
  • 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Grill or oven
  • Medium pot
  • Blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, minced garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is ideal).
  2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (or oven to 450°F). Grill marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked, or bake on a parchment-lined pan for about 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak rice for 10–15 minutes. In a medium pot, melt butter over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic for about 3 minutes.
  4. Add soaked rice to the pot, stirring for about 2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock, season with salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
  5. After the rice has cooked, gently fold in frozen peas, cover and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  6. In a blender, combine cilantro, mayonnaise, sour cream, jalapeño, garlic, oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning.
  7. On a serving plate, create a bed of rice, top with grilled chicken, and drizzle with green sauce. Garnish with cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Allow chicken to marinate overnight for best flavor. Rinse rice thoroughly to achieve a fluffy texture. Adjust green sauce seasoning to taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!