The sizzle of chicken on a hot grill, the vibrant green of aji verde sauce glistening under the sun, and the fragrant scent of cilantro rice wafting through the kitchen—this is what dreams are made of. Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice is like a fiesta for your taste buds, bursting with flavors that dance and mingle like they’ve just stepped off the plane from Lima. Imagine biting into tender chicken marinated in zesty spices, complemented by a creamy, spicy green sauce that brings everything together in perfect harmony.
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the table every Sunday for dinner. The star of those meals was often my mom’s version of this dish, which always left us all fighting over the last bite. The excitement that filled our home as we prepared to feast was palpable—it became our weekly ritual! Whether it’s a casual weeknight or an extravagant family gathering, this recipe will make your taste buds sing and create memories to cherish.
Why You'll Love This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice
- This incredible Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they will give your chicken that extra punch.
- Aji Amarillo Paste: This vibrant yellow chili paste adds authenticity and a mild heat that perfectly balances out other flavors.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up all the flavors—don’t settle for bottled!
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings freshness to both the chicken marinade and rice; it’s essential—no substitutes here!
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The base of your aji verde sauce; it gives creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Greek Yogurt: To lighten things up, Greek yogurt adds tanginess to balance out the creaminess of mayonnaise.
For the Rice:
- Jasmine Rice: This aromatic rice cooks up fluffy and fragrant, complementing your chicken perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water to infuse more flavor into your rice.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine boneless chicken breasts with minced garlic, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for at least one hour—this is where all that flavor magic happens!
Step 2: Prepare Aji Verde Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed; you want it zesty but not overpowering.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add rinsed rice and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil before lowering heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until rice is fluffy.
Step 4: Grill or Bake Chicken
Preheat your grill or oven (set at 400°F /200°C). If grilling, place marinated chicken on grill grates until cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). If baking, place on a greased baking sheet and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dish
Once everything is ready! Fluff your cilantro rice with a fork before plating it up. Place grilled chicken on top alongside some drizzled aji verde sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for that perfect finishing touch. Serve hot while basking in compliments from family and friends!
With each bite of this Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice dish, you’re bound to experience an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to Peru without leaving your kitchen! So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know About Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice
- This showstopping Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in a delicious mixture of spices and lime juice. Sear the chicken skin-side down until crispy, then transfer it to bake while preparing the cilantro rice and aji verde sauce simultaneously for maximum efficiency.
Flavor Your Way
Feel free to swap out the herbs in the cilantro rice for parsley if you’re not a cilantro fan. You can also add diced peppers or corn for extra color and crunch. Spice lovers might enjoy adding jalapeños to their aji verde for a fiery kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice
- This professional-quality Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sometimes I reminisce about the very first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it! Their smiles as they savored every bite made me realize I was onto something deliciously special.
FAQs
What is Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice?
Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice is a flavorful dish that showcases the vibrant culinary traditions of Peru. The dish features marinated grilled chicken, often seasoned with spices such as cumin and paprika, served alongside fluffy cilantro rice. Aji Verde, a spicy green sauce made from jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic, adds a zesty kick to the meal. This combination offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a popular choice among food lovers.
How do you make Aji Verde for Peruvian Chicken?
To make Aji Verde for Peruvian Chicken, blend together fresh cilantro, jalapeños (adjusting to your heat preference), garlic, lime juice, and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for creaminess. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with water if needed. This sauce can be drizzled over the chicken or served on the side for dipping. The fresh ingredients create a zesty complement to the succulent chicken and fluffy rice.
What are the best sides for Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice?
When serving Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice, consider pairing it with traditional sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Grilled corn on the cob or plantains also work wonderfully to enhance the meal’s flavor profile. Additionally, consider serving some black beans or avocado slices for added nutrition and taste. These sides not only complement the main dish but also provide a colorful presentation on your plate.
Can I make Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components of Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice ahead of time. Marinate the chicken several hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavor absorption. Cooked cilantro rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The Aji Verde sauce can also be made beforehand and refrigerated. Just give everything time to warm up before serving for an easy meal that still feels fresh.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preparing Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice provides a deliciously rich experience filled with bold flavors. By marinating the chicken properly and creating a zesty Aji Verde sauce, you elevate this dish significantly. Pairing it with complementary sides ensures a well-rounded meal that delights both family and guests. With these tips and techniques in mind, enjoy crafting this vibrant dish in your kitchen and savor every bite!
Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Peru in every bite. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and paired with a zesty aji verde sauce and fluffy cilantro rice, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, promising to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken breasts with garlic, aji amarillo paste, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least one hour.
- Prepare Aji Verde Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine rinsed rice and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
- Grill or Bake Chicken: Preheat grill or oven (400°F). Grill chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through or bake for 25–30 minutes on a greased baking sheet.
- Assemble Your Dish: Fluff the rice with a fork before plating it up. Place grilled chicken on top and drizzle with aji verde sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
