Bring the vibrant flavors of Peru straight to your dinner table with this Peruvian Chicken and Rice, also known as Arroz con Pollo Peruano. Tender, juicy chicken is simmered with fragrant rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, then finished with a creamy, zesty green sauce called Aji Verde. This one-pot meal is colorful, comforting, and perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of Latin flair.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: A harmonious blend of spices, fresh cilantro, and lime brings bright, bold flavors.
- One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
- Customizable: Adjust spice with jalapeños, switch chicken for shrimp or tofu, or add extra vegetables.
- Perfect for leftovers: Flavors deepen after a day, making it excellent for meal prep.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Chicken and Rice
- 6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (adjust for heat)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup beer (optional for authentic flavor)
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
For the Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped (leave seeds for extra heat)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Cilantro Base
In a blender, combine cilantro, jalapeño, and ½ cup chicken broth. Blend until smooth and set aside. This mixture gives your dish its signature vibrant green color.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, cook the onion until translucent (about 3 minutes).
Add garlic, cumin, and paprika, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rice and Liquids
Stir in uncooked rice and toast lightly for 1 minute.
Pour in the cilantro mixture, chicken broth, and beer (if using).
Add carrots, peas, and bell peppers, stirring well.
Step 5: Simmer
Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Green Sauce
While the rice cooks, combine cilantro, jalapeño, mayo, sour cream, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the chicken and rice onto plates, drizzle generously with Aji Verde, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Fresh cilantro matters: It gives the rice and sauce their signature bright flavor and color.
- Perfect rice: Avoid stirring too much to prevent mushy texture.
- Adjust heat: Leave jalapeño seeds in for more spice or remove for mild flavor.
- Meal prep-friendly: Flavors deepen over time; store in the fridge up to 4 days.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or extra vegetables like zucchini or corn.
- Seafood version: Swap chicken for shrimp or firm white fish for a lighter dish.
- Creamier rice: Add a splash of coconut milk before serving.
- Instant Pot: Sauté aromatics, then cook under high pressure for 8 minutes with natural release.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle with Aji Verde sauce for bold flavor.
- Serve alongside fresh lime wedges and avocado slices.
- Pair with fried plantains or roasted vegetables for extra flair.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of beer or limeade for the perfect Peruvian touch.
This Peruvian Chicken and Rice is a show-stopping meal bursting with color, flavor, and comfort. One bite of tender chicken with aromatic rice and zesty green sauce will transport you straight to Peru!
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