Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant and comforting meal that brings a burst of flavor with minimal fuss, this Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice recipe is an absolute winner. With tender, golden chicken thighs nestled on a bed of fragrant, cumin-spiced rice and topped with a zesty, fresh cilantro sauce, this dish perfectly balances heartiness and brightness in every bite. It’s a celebration of Peruvian flavors that feels both exotic and incredibly homey, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat to share with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients make this recipe truly special. Each element plays a vital role: the chicken provides juicy protein, the rice absorbs all those wonderful spices and broth, and the green sauce adds a lively pop of flavor and color that ties everything together beautifully.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, they’re perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the spices.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and rice.
• ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic warmth to the chicken seasoning.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics, creating a lovely base.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed: Rinsing helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Adds deep savory flavor and cooks the rice perfectly.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and texture to the rice.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic adds a bright, flavorful punch.
• ½ tsp ground cumin: A signature spice in Peruvian cooking that warms every bite.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: For final seasoning adjustments.
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves: Key ingredient for the zesty green sauce that enlivens the dish.
• 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded if preferred): Provides heat and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
• 1 garlic clove: Adds vibrant flavor to the green sauce.
• Juice of 1 lime: Brings brightness and acidity that balances richness.
• ¼ cup olive oil: Creates a smooth, luscious texture for the sauce.
• Salt, to taste: Perfectly seasons the green sauce.

How to Make Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. These simple seasonings elevate the chicken’s natural flavors and set the stage for a deliciously savory main ingredient.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes, until they develop a beautiful golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds mouthwatering color. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside for later.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant, letting those aromas fill your kitchen. Stir in the rinsed rice and ground cumin, toasting the rice for about 1 minute so it soaks up the warm, earthy spice.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Carefully nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, letting everything cook gently for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. This method allows the flavors to blend beautifully as the rice absorbs the savory broth.

Step 5: Make the Green Sauce

While the chicken and rice simmer, gather fresh cilantro, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender. Blend until the sauce turns smooth and vibrant green. This sauce is the magic touch, adding brightness, a little heat, and a fresh brightness that perfectly contrasts the rich chicken and comforting rice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish up generous portions of the chicken and rice, then drizzle with the vivid green sauce. Every bite delivers a harmonious mix of savory, zesty, and herbaceous flavors. Trust me, this Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

How to Serve Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice

Garnishes

Extra garnishes bring texture, color, and contrast. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or thin slices of jalapeño on top for a pop of green and a hint of fresh heat. You can also add a wedge of lime for an extra squeeze of brightness at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile, so consider pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Simple steamed veggies or a fresh tomato and avocado salad make fantastic companions without overshadowing the main star.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your presentation, serve the chicken thighs whole over a mound of golden rice on rustic plates, and drizzle the green sauce artfully across the top. For a fun twist, turn it into a bowl meal topped with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen as they rest, making it perfect for next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to one month. Separate the rice and chicken for best results, storing the green sauce in a separate container to maintain its fresh flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent dryness. Add the green sauce fresh after reheating to keep its vibrant taste and color intact.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely to keep them juicy and tender.

How spicy is the dish?

The jalapeño in the green sauce adds a moderate heat, which you can adjust by removing the seeds or skipping the pepper altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is there a substitute for cilantro?

If cilantro isn’t your favorite, fresh parsley is a decent stand-in, though the flavor will be less authentic. The distinctive fresh and citrusy notes lean heavily on cilantro’s bright character.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. All ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your chicken broth to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten additives.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavors well. You could try basmati or jasmine for a slightly different aroma, but stick with long grain for the authentic texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Peruvian Chicken And Rice recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and a burst of fresh flavor to your table with every serving. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner yet special enough to impress friends and family. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals that’s full of heart and soul.

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