Description
This Peruvian Chicken Rice recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful cilantro rice, and vibrant vegetables for a satisfying and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into chunks)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (loosely packed)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1/2 cup green peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 medium carrot (diced)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Blend Cilantro Mixture: In a blender, combine cilantro, green bell pepper, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Pour the cilantro mixture into the pan with the onions and bring to a simmer.
- Add Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the rice, cumin, peas, and carrots. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the rice.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and finish with fresh lime juice before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness or add a pinch of aji amarillo paste for heat.
- Serve with a simple salad or fried plantains for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
