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High Protein Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce

Smoky marinated chicken thighs served over butter-rich jasmine rice with creamy Peruvian green sauce for a bold, satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Peruvian
Calories: 785

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/3 cup Tamari or Soy Sauce
  • 2 limes juice and zest
  • 6 cloves garlic grated
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro one large handful
  • 2 jalapeños deseeded
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • 4 scallions
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil for green sauce
  • 1 lime juice and zest for green sauce
  • 1 tsp sea salt for green sauce

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Large saucepan with lid
  • Blender or food processor
  • small saucepan
  • Instant read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the avocado oil, tamari, lime juice and zest, grated garlic, smoked paprika, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for best flavor).
  3. Preheat oven to 450°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  4. Arrange marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Pour remaining marinade into a small saucepan.
  5. Roast chicken for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, simmer the reserved marinade over medium heat for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove chicken from oven, baste with simmered marinade, sprinkle with extra salt, and drizzle with olive oil.
  7. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until golden brown, crispy on edges, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. For the rice: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  9. Add jasmine rice to the butter and onions. Stir for 1-2 minutes to toast the grains.
  10. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
  11. Remove rice from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
  12. For the green sauce: Combine cilantro, jalapeños, avocado, Greek yogurt, scallions, honey, lime juice and zest, and salt in a blender.
  13. Blend on high while slowly drizzling in olive oil until silky smooth and emulsified.
  14. Serve roasted chicken over butter rice and drizzle generously with green sauce.

Notes

Storage: Store chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Reheat chicken in 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes to restore crispness.
Substitutions: Use mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt for more traditional aji verde. Chicken breast works but requires reduced cooking time (25-30 minutes).
Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken overnight for deepest flavor. Green sauce can be made 1 day ahead.
Serving: Best served immediately while chicken is crispy. Sauce may darken slightly when stored but flavor remains excellent.