Zesty Peruvian Chicken and Rice: A Homestyle Recipe

Succulent peruvian chicken and rice brings a culinary adventure right to your kitchen table.

Aromatic spices dance through tender meat and perfectly cooked grains.

Regional ingredients from peru inspire this comforting dish with unexpected depth.

Vibrant flavors blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exotic.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful recipe with simple techniques.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected seasonings elevate the entire dining experience.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this mouthwatering celebration of south american cuisine.

Why Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist Is Comforting

• Boost Flavor in Minutes: Packed with bold Peruvian spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric, this chicken and rice dish delivers an explosive taste experience without complicated techniques.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using a single skillet means minimal cleanup, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without creating a mountain of dishes.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Tender chicken, soft rice, and sweet peas create a balanced meal that appeals to both children and adults, making family dinner stress-free and enjoyable.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: From start to finish, this recipe comes together rapidly, offering a nutritious meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor or require extensive preparation time.

All The Ingredients In Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds protein and serves as the main component of the dish.

• Paprika, Cumin, Turmeric, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that provide depth and warmth to the chicken and overall flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, savory base for the dish.
• Frozen Peas: Sweet and colorful vegetables that add freshness and texture to the rice.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook ingredients and provides a smooth cooking surface.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the rice.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, zesty garnish to finish the dish.

• Rice: Staple grain that serves as the main carbohydrate and absorbs the delicious flavors of the other ingredients.

Steps To Cook Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper.

Sauté until the vegetables become soft and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Introduce rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil and vegetable mixture.

Toast the rice for 2 minutes, allowing it to develop a slightly nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Pour chicken broth into the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 18-20 minutes. Wait until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add frozen peas and the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet. Gently stir to combine and warm through for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top. Serve the skillet piping hot and enjoy the vibrant Peruvian-inspired flavors.

Quick Tips For Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

• Select bone-in chicken for extra flavor and juiciness, ensuring tender meat that falls off the bone during cooking.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing clumpy and sticky texture in the final dish.
• Toast spices like cumin and paprika in the skillet briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic profile and deepen the overall taste.
• For a gluten-free version, confirm chicken broth is certified gluten-free and replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
• Swap frozen peas with fresh or roasted vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini to add more nutritional variety and color to the meal.

Tasty Takes On Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the skillet for a fiery heat that elevates the traditional recipe's flavor profile.
• Seafood Coastal Remix: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish for a maritime-inspired version that captures Peru's coastal cuisine.
• Quinoa Power Bowl: Swap rice with quinoa to create a protein-packed alternative that maintains the recipe's authentic Peruvian essence.
• Vegetarian Green Delight: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based option.

What Goes Great With Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand perfectly complements the spiced chicken, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Serve with Zesty Peruvian Salsa: Create a quick ají amarillo salsa with fresh chili peppers, lime juice, and cilantro to add a vibrant, tangy kick that elevates the rice and chicken's warm spices.
• Match with Refreshing Citrus Slaw: Prepare a light coleslaw with red cabbage, carrots, and a citrus vinaigrette to provide a crunchy, bright contrast to the hearty main dish.

Storing Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Storage: Pack the cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Savory Peruvian Chicken And Rice With A Flavorful Twist Questions

• What makes Peruvian chicken and rice unique?

The combination of spices like paprika, cumin, and turmeric creates a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other chicken and rice dishes, giving it an authentic South American taste.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly to ensure proper rice texture.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

This recipe is relatively nutritious, offering lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables like peas and bell peppers, providing a balanced meal with essential nutrients.

• How spicy is this Peruvian chicken and rice?

The recipe is mild with warming spices but not hot.

Savory Peruvian Chicken and Rice with a Flavorful Twist Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simmering with Latin American zest, Peruvian Chicken and Rice brings bold spices and hearty comfort to your dinner table. Tender chicken nestled in aromatic rice creates a memorable meal that transports you straight to Peru’s culinary heart.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Unleash vibrant flavors by searing chicken in a large skillet over medium heat (375°F), generously coating with paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer protein to a holding plate.
2. Within the same skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce rice into the aromatic vegetable mixture, gently stirring to ensure each grain absorbs the rich seasoned oils, toasting for 2 minutes to enhance nutty undertones.
4. Carefully pour chicken broth into the skillet, creating a simmering liquid base. Cover and allow rice to steam for 18-20 minutes, absorbing flavors and achieving perfect tenderness.
5. Incorporate frozen peas and previously cooked chicken back into the skillet, gently folding ingredients to distribute heat evenly and marry flavors for an additional 3-4 minutes.
6. Elevate the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro across the surface, creating a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s robust spice profile.
• Toast rice beforehand in the skillet to enhance nutty flavors and create a more aromatic base for the dish.
• Choose long-grain white rice for best texture, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy during cooking.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing paprika and cumin quantities to match personal heat preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg