Peruvian Chicken and Rice – Flavorful & Authentic Arroz con Pollo

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bold, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Peruvian Chicken and Rice (also known as Arroz con Pollo Peruano) is a dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a vibrant, one-pot meal that brings the warmth of Latin American cooking right to your kitchen.

Tender, juicy chicken is simmered with fragrant rice, fresh cilantro, sweet bell peppers, and aromatic spices like cumin and garlic. The result? A perfectly balanced combination of savory, herby, and slightly tangy flavors — hearty enough for a family dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests.

What makes this dish truly stand out is its rich color and depth of flavor. The green hue comes from a blend of cilantro, garlic, and lime — a signature of Peruvian cuisine. Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping cleanup minimal.

Whether you’re new to Peruvian food or already a fan of Latin-inspired dishes, this recipe delivers everything you love — comfort, culture, and a burst of freshness in every bite.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Peruvian Chicken and Rice

Authentic Peruvian Flavors at Home

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice recipe captures the essence of traditional Arroz con Pollo — a comforting, home-style dish found across Peru. The star ingredients, cilantro and lime, create a vibrant, herb-forward base, while cumin and garlic add depth and warmth. You don’t need any special tools or exotic ingredients — just simple pantry staples that come together to create an authentic taste experience.

Easy One-Pot Recipe

Say goodbye to juggling multiple pans and complicated steps. This dish comes together in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Once the chicken is browned and the rice starts simmering, your kitchen fills with the most incredible aroma — earthy, citrusy, and inviting.

Hearty, Balanced & Family-Friendly

With protein-rich chicken, nutritious vegetables, and wholesome rice, this meal is a complete dish on its own. It’s family-friendly and customizable — add more veggies, adjust the spice level, or use brown rice for an even healthier version. Leftovers also reheat beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

According to The Café Sucre Farine, the key to getting that signature Peruvian flavor is blending fresh cilantro into the cooking liquid — it infuses every grain of rice with herbal brightness while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice recipe is full of fresh, aromatic ingredients that build layers of flavor — from the marinated chicken to the herb-packed green sauce that colors the rice. Everything is cooked together in one pot for convenience and depth.

For the Chicken Marinade

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)	1 ½ pounds	Juicy, flavorful protein base
Garlic cloves, minced	3	Adds aromatic depth
Ground cumin	1 teaspoon	Signature Peruvian spice
Lime juice	2 tablespoons	Tenderizes and adds brightness
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Helps the marinade cling to the chicken
Salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances flavor
Black pepper	¼ teaspoon	Adds gentle spice

For the Rice and Vegetables

Ingredient	Amount	Purpose
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	For sautéing aromatics
Onion, finely chopped	1 medium	Adds sweetness and flavor base
Red bell pepper, diced	1	Adds color and texture
Long-grain white rice	1 ½ cups	Soaks up flavor and becomes perfectly fluffy
Chicken broth	3 cups	Infuses rice with savory richness
Fresh cilantro	1 cup, packed	Adds color and bright flavor
Jalapeño or Aji Amarillo (optional)	1 small	For subtle heat and authenticity
Peas	½ cup	Adds sweetness and color contrast
Lime wedges	For serving	Enhances flavor and freshness

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced avocado
• Extra chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Peruvian green sauce (Aji Verde)

How to Make Peruvian Chicken and Rice Step-by-Step

This classic dish is simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding — it’s hearty, flavorful, and full of vibrant color.

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine garlic, cumin, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 2 – Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside — it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 3 – Make the Cilantro Base

In a blender, combine fresh cilantro, jalapeño (optional), ½ cup chicken broth, and a squeeze of lime juice. Blend until smooth. This green mixture will infuse the rice with its vibrant color and flavor.

Step 4 – Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for another 1–2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors of the vegetables and oil.

Step 5 – Combine & Simmer

Pour in the cilantro mixture and remaining chicken broth. Stir well, then return the seared chicken to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6 – Finish & Serve

Once cooked, gently stir in the peas and let them heat through for 2–3 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, and serve warm.

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice is a one-pot masterpiece — tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a gorgeous green hue that makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Tips for Perfect Peruvian Chicken and Rice

Use Fresh Herbs for Vibrant Flavor

Fresh cilantro gives this dish its signature green hue and aromatic depth. Avoid dried herbs — they won’t deliver the same fresh, zesty punch.

Sear the Chicken First

Browning the chicken before simmering locks in moisture and adds a layer of rich flavor to the rice as it cooks.

Blend the Cilantro Mixture Smoothly

A silky cilantro base gives the rice its gorgeous color and evenly distributes the flavor. Use a blender or food processor for the best texture.

Don’t Overcook the Rice

Simmer gently with the lid on and check for doneness after 20 minutes. The rice should be fluffy and tender, not mushy.

Make It Spicy

For authentic Peruvian heat, blend in Aji Amarillo paste or a small jalapeño with the cilantro mixture. This adds color and a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.

Serving Suggestions

With Sauces

Top your Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Aji Verde, a creamy Peruvian green sauce made from cilantro, jalapeño, lime, and garlic. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a mild, cooling contrast.

With Sides

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Fried plantains for a sweet-savory combo
• Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
• Grilled corn or roasted vegetables for extra color and crunch

As Meal Prep Bowls

Divide leftovers into meal-prep containers with avocado slices, fresh lime wedges, or roasted peppers. It reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion – A Bright & Comforting Peruvian Classic

This Peruvian Chicken and Rice is a celebration of color, comfort, and flavor — everything that makes Latin cuisine so beloved. With tender chicken, herb-infused rice, and a zesty lime-cilantro finish, every bite brings a burst of freshness and warmth.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, since it’s a one-pot dish, cleanup is minimal — just pure, flavorful satisfaction in every spoonful.

Whether you serve it with Aji Verde or keep it classic, this recipe is guaranteed to bring the authentic taste of Peru straight to your table.

Print