Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice

If you’re looking for a flavorful dish that feels special yet comes together quickly, you’ve landed in the right place! This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice is a delightful combination of zesty, creamy, and herbaceous flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s become a family favorite in my home because it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even when we have friends over. Plus, the vibrant colors and fresh tastes make it feel like a celebration no matter the occasion.

I love how this recipe balances simplicity with big flavor. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with a bright and spicy green sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. And let’s not forget about the cilantro rice—it adds a lovely zesty note that ties everything together, making this meal irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: You can whip up this delicious dish in under an hour, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: With its balanced flavors, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults alike—everyone will love it!
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the Aji Verde ahead of time and store it in the fridge, saving you time on dinner day.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and fresh herbs guarantees every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Versatile serving options: Serve it as a hearty bowl or plate it beautifully for gatherings—either way, it’s sure to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need for this vibrant Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice:

For the Aji Verde

• 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed (stems & leaves)
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded (or keep seeds)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Cotija or Parmesan, crumbled
• 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

For the Chicken

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (slice into thinner cutlets if thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Cilantro-Lime Rice

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati)
• 2 1/2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

For Garnish

• fresh cilantro leaves

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey cutlets or grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers or corn to your rice for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: If you’re craving heat, add more jalapeños to your Aji Verde or use spicy mayo instead.
• Go vegan: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu and use vegan mayo for a plant-based version of this dish.

How to Make Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice

Step 1: Make the Aji Verde

Start by adding all your Aji Verde ingredients—cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, Cotija or Parmesan cheese, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper—into a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky. This keeps those charming green flecks intact! Taste it after blending; you might want to adjust the salt or lime juice. Pop it in the fridge while you cook to let those flavors meld together wonderfully.

Step 2: Prepare & Cook the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets for even cooking. In a mixing bowl, toss them with olive oil along with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat up a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook your seasoned chicken cutlets in batches so they’re not crowded—this helps achieve that beautiful char we all love! Sear each side for 5-7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C. Let them rest for about five minutes before slicing them into thick bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Cilantro-Lime Rice

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine rice with water or broth (using broth adds extra flavor), butter or olive oil, and salt. Bring everything to a boil then reduce the heat to low immediately. Cover and let simmer for about 15-20 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Afterward, remove from heat and let sit covered for another 10 minutes—this step makes fluffy rice! Fluff it with a fork before folding in chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Now comes the fun part! Start by spooning a generous helping of cilantro-lime rice into each bowl. Top it off with slices of your flavorful Peruvian-style chicken and drizzle plenty of that creamy Aji Verde sauce over everything. Don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro leaves for that final touch! Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy some happy faces around your dinner table.

And there you have it—a vibrant meal full of flavor that’s easy enough for any night but special enough for company!

Pro Tips for Making Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice

Cooking this delicious dish might seem daunting, but with a few insider tips, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality Peruvian chicken in no time!

• Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes (or overnight!) to deepen the flavors. This makes for a more flavorful dish and cuts down on cooking time when you’re ready to eat.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of jalapeños in your aji verde according to your heat preference. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for juicy and safe-to-eat chicken every time.
• Fluff the Rice Well: After letting the rice rest, use a fork to fluff it before adding cilantro and lime juice. This step ensures that the grains are separated and light, absorbing all those tasty flavors beautifully.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, assemble and serve this dish right after cooking. The warm rice, juicy chicken, and fresh sauce create an irresistible combination that’s best enjoyed fresh.

How to Serve Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice

Presenting your beautifully prepared Peruvian chicken can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some fun ideas to elevate your serving style.

Garnishes

• Extra Lime Wedges: Fresh lime wedges not only add a burst of flavor but also bring a bright pop of color to your plate.
• Sliced Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a crunchy texture and vibrant color contrast that complements the dish.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices can add richness that pairs perfectly with the zesty sauce.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetables: A colorful mix of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and corn adds freshness and earthy flavors that balance out the meal.
• Black Beans: Seasoned black beans can offer heartiness and protein while contributing to that delightful Latin flavor profile.
• Fried Plantains: Sweet fried plantains bring a comforting sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the chicken and sauce.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes makes for a light side dish that enhances the overall experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re not just preparing dinner—you’re setting up an exciting culinary experience that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite of your Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice recipe is perfect for meal prep! The vibrant flavors hold up well, making it a delightful dish to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken and rice in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Keep the aji verde sauce separate in a small container to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, label the containers with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken and rice overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel until heated through (about 2-3 minutes).
• Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious dish!

Can I make Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the chicken and cilantro rice ahead of time. Just store them separately and add the aji verde just before serving.

What can I serve with Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde?

This dish pairs wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even tortillas for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside your favorite beans for added protein.

How spicy is Aji Verde?

The spiciness of your aji verde depends on how many jalapeño seeds you include. Feel free to adjust based on your heat preference—remove all seeds for mildness or leave some in for extra kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this vibrant and flavorful Peruvian Chicken with Aji Verde & Cilantro Rice! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and zest. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish promises to bring joy to your table. Happy cooking, and feel free to share your creations!