There are certain meals that transport you somewhere else with just one bite. For me, that place is a tiny, bustling Peruvian restaurant I stumbled upon during my travels. I had never experienced Peruvian-style chicken before, but the moment I took my first bite—juicy, spice-rubbed chicken, smoky from the grill, drizzled with a creamy, herb-packed green sauce—I knew I had discovered something special.

What made it even better was the golden yellow rice, fragrant with garlic and spices, speckled with sweet green peas. The meal was comforting yet exciting, familiar yet unlike anything I had ever tasted before. I found myself scraping every last bit of sauce from my plate, savoring the balance of heat, tang, and bold seasoning.

Since then, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a meal that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying, bringing the warmth and vibrancy of Peruvian cuisine into my home. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself, this Peruvian-inspired chicken with green sauce and yellow rice is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen too.

What Makes Peruvian Chicken Special?

Peruvian cuisine is known for its rich spices, fresh herbs, and bold flavors. This dish in particular is inspired by Pollo a la Brasa, a popular rotisserie-style chicken found throughout Peru. While traditionally slow-roasted over wood-fired coals, this version is adapted for home cooking, using a spice rub that mimics that deep, smoky, and earthy flavor.

The secret to its incredible taste lies in three key elements:

1. The Perfect Spice Blend

Peruvian cuisine is all about layered flavors. The marinade for this chicken features a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and lime juice, which work together to create a balance of smoky, tangy, and savory notes. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor.

2. The Famous Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

This creamy, spicy green sauce is the star of the dish. Known as Aji Verde in Peru, it’s made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and a creamy base of mayo and sour cream. The combination of herbaceous freshness, a slight kick from the jalapeños, and a rich, velvety texture makes it completely irresistible.

3. The Vibrant Yellow Rice

Peruvian-style yellow rice gets its stunning color from turmeric, while cumin, onion, and garlic add depth and warmth. The chicken stock infuses the rice with richness, while the sweet pop of green peas adds the perfect contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Bold, Authentic Flavors

From the smoky-spiced chicken to the creamy, zesty green sauce and fragrant yellow rice, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and umami.

2. Versatile & Easy to Make

This recipe is adaptable—you can grill, roast, or pan-sear the chicken depending on what’s easiest for you. The green sauce is blended in minutes, and the rice is cooked in one pot, making this a practical yet impressive meal.

3. A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting guests, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

4. Healthy & Satisfying

With lean protein, vibrant herbs, and wholesome ingredients, this dish is nutrient-dense yet incredibly satisfying. The green sauce provides healthy fats, while the yellow rice is a delicious source of complex carbohydrates.

• 1.5-2 pounds chicken (thighs, breasts, or any cut)
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lime juice or white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons oil of choice
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Creamy & Spicy Green Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 whole jalapeño chiles, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fragrant Peruvian Yellow Rice

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 tablespoon butter or oil
• ¼ cup onion, diced
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon each cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen peas

How to Make This Peruvian-Inspired Dish

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

3. Prepare the Green Sauce

Blend all green sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Make the Peruvian Yellow Rice

• Sauté the onion and garlic in butter/oil until fragrant.
• Stir in turmeric, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add rice and chicken stock, then bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Stir in frozen peas and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Plate the juicy chicken alongside yellow rice, and drizzle with the spicy green sauce for a meal packed with bold, vibrant flavors!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	45g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	18g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	3g
Sodium	750mg

Enjoy this Peruvian-style chicken with green sauce and fragrant yellow rice, a dish bursting with bold spices, creamy heat, and vibrant color!

How to Serve This Peruvian-Inspired Dish

1. As a Traditional Plate

Serve the spice-rubbed chicken alongside a generous scoop of yellow rice, with a small bowl of green sauce on the side for drizzling or dipping.

2. As a Sandwich or Wrap

Shred the cooked chicken and stuff it into warm pita, naan, or a crusty baguette, then drizzle with green sauce for a Peruvian-style sandwich.

3. Over a Fresh Salad

For a lighter meal, serve the chicken over a crisp salad with sliced avocados, tomatoes, and a drizzle of the green sauce as a dressing.

4. As a Meal Prep Option

This dish makes great leftovers! Store the chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers, then reheat and assemble for a quick and delicious meal.

Tips for Making the Best Peruvian-Style Chicken

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

For the most flavorful and juicy chicken, let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—but if you have time, overnight is even better.

2. Adjust the Heat Level

The green sauce gets its spice from jalapeños. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds before blending. If you love heat, leave the seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce.

3. Use the Right Rice

Jasmine rice gives the best fluffy and fragrant texture, but you can also use Basmati rice or long-grain white rice.

4. Grill for Extra Smoky Flavor

For an authentic Pollo a la Brasa flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal or a grill pan to get that smoky, charred finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! The chicken, green sauce, and rice all store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

2. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great choice. You can use bone-in or boneless thighs.

3. What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise in the Green Sauce?

For a lighter version, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt. It will still be creamy and delicious!

4. Can I Freeze This Dish?

• Chicken: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Rice: Rice can also be frozen, though it may lose some texture.
• Green Sauce: The sauce is best when fresh but can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.

5. What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This meal is filling on its own, but you can add:

• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
• A fresh side salad with avocado and tomatoes.
• Warm tortillas for wrapping the chicken and rice.

Final Thoughts: A Meal That Delivers Comfort & Excitement

This Peruvian-style chicken with green sauce and yellow rice is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It brings together rich, smoky spices, vibrant herbs, and creamy heat, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting at the same time.

Every bite takes you on a journey of bold flavors, reminding us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

So fire up your stove, blend up that green sauce, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and heart!