Name: Arroz Verde (Green Rice Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1½ cups long-grain white rice; 2¼ cups chicken stock (or as needed based on your rice package instructions); 1 cup parsley, roughly chopped and lightly packed; ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped and lightly packed; 2 large poblano chilies, seeded and roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped onion; 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped; Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Arroz Verde, or Green Rice, is a flavorful Mexican side dish where long-grain white rice is toasted and then cooked with a vibrant pepper and herb purée. The result is tender, fluffy rice infused with fresh cilantro, parsley, and just a touch of spice. It pairs beautifully with Mexican dishes, proteins, and veggies.

Arroz Verde (Green Rice Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant color and bold, herbaceous flavor
Lightly spiced with poblano and jalapeño peppers
A versatile side dish for tacos, enchiladas, grilled vegetables, or beans
Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients
Fluffy, fragrant, and a refreshing twist on plain white rice

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 cups long-grain white rice (such as Lundberg Farms)
1 poblano pepper, stem removed and roughly chopped (about 150 g)
1 jalapeño pepper, stem removed and roughly chopped (remove seeds for less spice)
½ cup chopped onion (about 60 g)
2 cloves garlic
1 cup packed cilantro
½ cup packed parsley
1¾ cups vegetable broth
Salt and pepper, to taste

For serving:

Fresh lime juice
Extra chopped cilantro

directions

Rinse rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Shake off excess water and let dry slightly.
Toast rice: Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add rice and toast for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned in spots.
Blend green mixture: While rice toasts, blend poblano, jalapeño, onion, garlic, cilantro, parsley, salt, pepper, and ¼ of the broth in a high-speed blender until smooth.
Combine: Pour the green purée into the pot with toasted rice. Add the remaining broth and stir well.
Cook rice: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and cook undisturbed for 15–17 minutes.
Rest: Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
Fluff and serve: Open lid, stir rice to evenly combine, and fluff with a fork. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with lime juice and cilantro.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 cups (about 16 half-cup servings)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 17 minutes
Resting time: 15 minutes
Total time: 37 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or kale to the purée for extra greens
Replace jalapeño with serrano for more heat, or omit for a milder version
Stir in sweet corn or black beans for added texture and protein
Use brown rice instead—just increase broth and cooking time accordingly
Add a squeeze of orange juice for a citrus twist

storage/reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep rice fluffy
Freezing: Freeze in airtight bags or containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving

FAQs

Is Arroz Verde spicy?

It has a mild heat from poblano and jalapeño, but you can remove the seeds or omit jalapeño for less spice.

Can I make this with brown rice?

Yes, but increase cooking time and liquid as directed on the rice package.

Do I need a high-powered blender?

A high-speed blender or food processor works best for a smooth green purée, but a standard blender will also work.

Why is my rice sticky?

Be sure to rinse rice until water runs clear to remove excess starch, and don’t stir while it cooks.

Can I make this oil-free?

Yes, dry-toast the rice in the pan instead of using oil, though the flavor will be slightly different.

What does Arroz Verde pair well with?

It’s perfect with tacos, enchiladas, roasted vegetables, grilled tofu, or beans.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and is even more flavorful the next day.

Can I freeze Arroz Verde?

Yes, freeze in portions for easy side dishes later.

Can I use other herbs?

Yes—swap parsley for spinach, basil, or even mint for a different flavor.

How do I keep my rice fluffy?

Let it rest covered after cooking, then fluff with a fork rather than stirring.

Conclusion

Arroz Verde is a fresh, flavorful side dish that brings vibrancy to any meal. With its fluffy texture, fragrant herbs, and subtle spice, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe that complements Mexican-inspired dishes and beyond. Whether served at family dinners or festive gatherings, this green rice is sure to be a hit.