Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, then this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is just what you need! This dish is one of my go-to favorites for busy weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It combines tender chicken, zesty salsa verde, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in one skillet. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners at home, it’s a recipe that everyone will love!

The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Trust me; once you try this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet, it will become a cherished staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes! With minimal prep work and clean-up, it’s perfect for any night of the week.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this skillet meal makes dinnertime a breeze.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less mess and more time enjoying your meal with loved ones.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat—great for meal prep!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of salsa verde and spices gives this dish an incredible taste that’s sure to please your palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! They come together beautifully to create a deliciously comforting meal that feels special yet effortless.

Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
– 1 cup yellow onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 15.5oz salsa verde
– 1 can (4oz) diced green chiles
– 1 cup white long grain rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup roasted corn
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1/2 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– dash of black pepper
– 3 tbsp cilantro
– optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use grilled turkey or shredded beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Try different grains: Substitute the white rice with quinoa or brown rice for a healthy alternative.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add some jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by adding olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it helps build the foundation of flavor for your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sauté them until they are fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. This brings out their natural sweetness, making every bite delicious!

Step 3: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix into the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together until aromatic—this step adds depth to our dish!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour in the drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and the rice. Give it all a good stir until well combined.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Bring everything to a boil for about 2–3 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully before we turn down the heat.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Set your timer for 15 minutes. This simmering time lets the rice absorb all that tasty liquid while cooking perfectly.

Step 7: Check Rice Doneness

When your timer goes off, check if the rice is cooked through by fluffing it gently with a fork. If it’s not quite there yet, give it another few minutes on low heat.

Step 8: Melt the Cheese

Once everything looks good and cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top and cover again to let it melt beautifully—about 2–3 minutes will do!

Step 9: Final Touches

Once melted to perfection, finish off your dish by topping it with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings like creamy avocado or spicy red pepper flakes.

Enjoy!

Dig into this warm bowl of goodness! It’s comfort food at its finest—enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Creating this delightful dish is a breeze, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and onion really enhance the flavor profile, giving your skillet an aromatic base that makes every bite irresistible.

• Adjust spice levels – If you like a little heat, consider adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. This will give your dish an exciting kick that spice lovers will appreciate!

• Experiment with cheese – While Monterey Jack works beautifully, feel free to swap it out for pepper jack or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or dietary option.

• Make it one-pot – To keep cleanup simple, use a large skillet with a lid that can go from stovetop to oven. This way, you can melt the cheese right in the pan without dirtying additional dishes.

• Store leftovers properly – If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheating in the microwave makes for an easy lunch or dinner the next day!

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Serving this dish is as enjoyable as making it! The vibrant colors and bold flavors create an inviting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Garnishes

• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spiciness of the dish perfectly.
• Fresh cilantro – A sprinkle of chopped cilantro not only gives freshness but also enhances visual appeal.
• Red pepper flakes – For those who enjoy extra heat, a dash of red pepper flakes on top provides that perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad – This refreshing salad made with corn, lime juice, and cotija cheese complements the flavors of your skillet beautifully.

• Simple Green Salad – A light mixed greens salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips – Pairing guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips creates a delightful appetizer that sets the stage for your main dish.

• Cilantro Lime Rice – For those who can’t get enough rice, serving a side of cilantro lime rice brings a zesty twist that enhances your meal’s overall flavor.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet will not only be delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy every moment of this flavorful experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a fantastic option for meal prep! With its simple ingredients and easy assembly, you can whip up a batch ahead of time for busy weeknights.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Absolutely! You can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs in advance and shred them for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the skillet.

How can I customize my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. You can also switch up the cheese; pepper jack would add a nice kick!

What should I serve with Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you could serve it with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.

Is Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! It’s not just easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy creating this comforting dish for your family or friends – it’s sure to become a favorite! Happy cooking!