One-Pan Peruvian Chicken & Rice – A Simple & Delicious Recipe!

Name: One-Pan Peruvian Chicken & Rice – A Simple & Delicious Recipe!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (optional, for authentic flavor); 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati); 2 cups chicken broth; ½ teaspoon turmeric (for color); ½ cup frozen peas; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream); 1 jalapeño (seeded for less heat, keep seeds for more spice); 1 handful fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (or substitute with hot sauce); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 31, 2025

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If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, rich spices, and effortless cooking, then Peruvian Chicken and Rice is the perfect recipe for your kitchen. This one-pan wonder blends the warmth of cumin, the smokiness of paprika, and the freshness of cilantro, creating a meal that is both comforting and vibrant.

Served with Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce), a spicy and herbaceous blend of jalapeño, lime, and cilantro, this dish brings the essence of Peruvian cuisine straight to your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

What Makes Peruvian Chicken and Rice So Special?

Peruvian cuisine is a beautiful fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences, creating dishes that are deeply flavorful and diverse. This recipe reflects the heart of Peruvian cooking—using simple ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavors.

A Dish with History and Culture

Peruvian Chicken and Rice, also known as Arroz con Pollo Peruano, is a staple in Peruvian households. It is a dish that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage, blending Spanish rice-cooking techniques with Indigenous and Andean ingredients like aji amarillo (Peruvian yellow pepper) and fresh herbs.

While variations exist across different regions, the core of the dish remains the same: seasoned chicken cooked alongside fragrant rice, absorbing all the delicious spices and broth.

What You’ll Need: The Essential Ingredients

For the Peruvian Chicken and Rice

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (optional, for authentic flavor)
1 ½ cups long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon turmeric (for color)
½ cup frozen peas
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 jalapeño (seeded for less heat, keep seeds for more spice)
1 handful fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (or substitute with hot sauce)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step: Bringing Peruvian Flavors to Your Kitchen

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
Stir in the aji amarillo paste for extra depth of flavor.

3. Cook the Rice

Add rice, chicken broth, turmeric, and frozen peas to the pan. Stir well.
Nestle the seared chicken back into the rice.
Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Blend the Signature Green Sauce

In a blender, combine all ingredients for the Peruvian Green Sauce.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust spice level to taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Drizzle the green sauce over the dish or serve on the side.
Enjoy warm with extra lime wedges for added freshness.

Nutritional Breakdown: A Balanced and Hearty Meal

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	18g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	680mg

This vibrant and comforting one-pan meal is packed with bold Peruvian flavors and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings. Try it today and bring a taste of Peru to your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A One-Pan Wonder for Easy Cooking

This dish is cooked entirely in one pan, making it ideal for home cooks who love convenience. Not only does this method infuse the rice with deep, savory flavors, but it also makes cleanup a breeze.

2. Packed with Bold, Authentic Flavors

Each bite of this dish is filled with warm spices, garlic, smoky paprika, and the earthy depth of cumin. The addition of aji amarillo paste provides a touch of heat and complexity, making this dish exciting and well-balanced.

3. Juicy, Well-Seasoned Chicken

The chicken is seared first, locking in its natural juices and allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust. This method ensures that the chicken remains tender and flavorful as it cooks with the rice.

4. Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde) Adds a Unique Kick

The true game-changer in this dish is the Aji Verde sauce. This vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy green sauce brings a zingy freshness that cuts through the richness of the chicken and rice.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish tastes even better the next day, as the spices have more time to develop. It reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep.

The Secret to Achieving the Best Peruvian Chicken and Rice

1. Marinate the Chicken for Extra Flavor

For an even deeper taste, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the spices penetrate the meat, creating rich, well-seasoned bites.

2. Toast the Rice for Maximum Flavor

Toasting the rice for a few minutes before adding the broth gives it a slightly nutty, deeper taste. This step also prevents the rice from becoming too mushy as it cooks.

3. Let the Chicken Finish Cooking with the Rice

After searing, the chicken is nestled into the rice and cooked together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This method also ensures the chicken stays moist and tender.

4. Balance the Spice with the Green Sauce

If the Aji Verde sauce feels too spicy, you can adjust it by:

Adding more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to mellow the heat.
Reducing the number of jalapeño seeds.
Adding an extra squeeze of lime juice for more freshness.

Ways to Customize This Dish

1. Adjusting the Heat Level

For more spice: Add extra aji amarillo paste or include an extra jalapeño in the green sauce.
For a milder version: Reduce or remove the aji amarillo and jalapeño seeds.

2. Trying Different Proteins

While chicken thighs work best for this dish, you can easily substitute:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cook for a shorter time to avoid dryness).
Shrimp for a seafood twist.
Pork or beef strips for a heartier variation.

3. Making It Low-Carb

For a lighter, low-carb version, swap the rice for:

Cauliflower rice (adjust cooking time since it cooks faster).
Quinoa, which provides a nutty flavor and additional protein.

Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Peruvian Chicken and Rice

1. Light and Refreshing Sides

Cucumber and Avocado Salad – A fresh contrast to the warm spices.
Grilled Corn with Lime Butter – A smoky, slightly sweet addition.

2. Traditional Peruvian Pairings

Fried Plantains – A sweet and caramelized treat that complements the savory dish.
Peruvian Ceviche – A tangy seafood dish that pairs beautifully with the rich chicken and rice.

3. Low-Carb Alternatives

Zucchini Noodles – A fresh alternative to rice.
Lettuce Wraps – Wrap the chicken and rice in crisp lettuce for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Boneless Chicken Instead?

Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well, but they cook faster, so reduce the simmering time accordingly.

2. What If I Can’t Find Aji Amarillo Paste?

You can substitute it with:

A mix of yellow bell pepper and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
A small amount of sriracha or hot sauce for a similar heat level.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

4. Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes! Just make sure your chicken broth and mayonnaise are gluten-free.

5. Can I Freeze This Dish?

Yes! Freeze the chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Conclusion: A Taste of Peru in Your Own Kitchen

Peruvian Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of tender, spiced chicken, fragrant rice, and zesty Aji Verde sauce makes every bite exciting and satisfying.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a simple family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing guests. The one-pan cooking method makes it easy to prepare, while the bold spices and fresh green sauce give it a gourmet touch.

If you’re looking to explore new flavors and bring the warmth of Peruvian cuisine to your table, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go tonight and enjoy a delicious, homemade Peruvian feast!