Name: Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 1.5–2 pounds chicken; 2–3 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons oil; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cilantro; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 jalapeños; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice; 1 cup jasmine rice; 2 cups chicken stock; 1 cup frozen peas

Jump to Recipe

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce brings bold, comforting flavors to your dinner table in one complete meal. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken pairs with fragrant yellow rice and a creamy, spicy green sauce that ties everything together. This recipe draws inspiration from classic Peruvian flavors while keeping the process simple enough for a weeknight. With flexible cooking options and familiar ingredients, this dish delivers reliable results and a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Story

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce has become one of those dependable recipes I return to whenever I want something satisfying without extra effort. The combination of cumin, garlic, and citrus gives the chicken deep flavor, while the rice absorbs warm spices and rich stock as it cooks. What truly defines Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce is the vibrant sauce made with cilantro and jalapeño, which adds freshness and gentle heat. Whether grilled or baked, Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce fits perfectly into busy schedules while still feeling special enough for guests.

Ingredients

1.5–2 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
2 tablespoons neutral oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Green Sauce

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 whole jalapeños, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
Kosher salt and black pepper

Peruvian Yellow Rice

1 cup jasmine rice
1 tablespoon butter or oil
1/4 cup diced onion
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon each cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup frozen peas

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Mix garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then reserve a small portion for basting. Coat the chicken thoroughly and refrigerate for at least one hour. Rinse and soak the rice, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure all spices so cooking flows smoothly from start to finish.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat a grill to medium-high or an oven to 450°F, then cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F, brushing with reserved marinade halfway through. Simmer the rice with aromatics, spices, and stock until tender, then fold in peas and rest briefly. Blend all green sauce ingredients until creamy, adjusting seasoning to taste before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the marinating time limits flavor development, while cooking the chicken over excessive heat can dry it out quickly. Adding the peas too early may cause them to lose color and texture, so always stir them in at the end for the best result.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Char the chicken lightly on the grill for added depth, or broil briefly after baking for crisp edges. For extra brightness, add a small splash of citrus juice to the sauce just before serving to keep flavors lively and balanced.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Spoon the yellow rice onto plates, top with sliced chicken, and finish with a generous drizzle of green sauce. This dish works beautifully as a latin chicken dinner alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

How to Store Leftovers

Store chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to three days. Reheat gently and stir the sauce before using to restore its creamy texture.

Conclusion

Peruvian Chicken with Green Sauce offers bold seasoning, comforting textures, and flexible cooking methods that suit any home kitchen. With fragrant rice and creamy sauce on the side, this dish delivers dependable flavor and turns an ordinary evening into something memorable.

Discover more delicious recipes by following me on Facebook and Pinterest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance, which saves time and deepens flavor when you cook the meal later.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The heat level stays moderate, but you can reduce jalapeños for a milder spicy green sauce or add more for extra kick.

What cut of chicken works best?

Thighs remain especially juicy, but breasts also work well when cooked carefully and rested before slicing.