Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that will make your taste buds dance, let me introduce you to my beloved Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! This dish has become a go-to in our home, especially on busy weeknights when time is tight but flavor is a must. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a protein-packed dinner that everyone will love.

What makes this recipe extra special is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is bound to impress. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare that even the newest cooks can dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its rich salsa verde and tender chicken, this meal pleases even the pickiest eaters.
• Meal Prep Dream: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat for an effortless lunch or dinner!
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out or add your favorite veggies or proteins!
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess means more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather the wholesome ingredients for our Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! These are simple staples you might already have on hand, making this recipe not only delicious but also convenient.

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, 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

The beauty of this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
• Add extra veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for an extra kick.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add jalapeños or more chili powder to amp up the flavor!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Add olive oil to a pan and heat it over medium. This step is essential as it creates the perfect base for sautéing our aromatics.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Once the oil is warm, toss in minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Cook until they become fragrant and translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to our dish.

Step 3: Mix the Spices

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix into the pan with the garlic and onion. Allow these flavors to meld together before adding other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Pour in the drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors!

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Increase the heat slightly until you bring everything to a gentle boil for about 2–3 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and set your timer for 15 minutes. This steaming process helps cook the rice perfectly while infusing it with all those vibrant flavors.

Step 6: Check if Done

When time’s up, check if your rice is tender. If it’s still too firm or there’s liquid left in the pan, don’t hesitate to set another timer for extra cooking time.

Step 7: Melt Cheese on Top

Once your rice has soaked up all that goodness and is fluffy, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, cover again with the lid for an additional few minutes until melted—this creates an irresistibly gooey layer of cheesy goodness!

Step 8: Add Fresh Toppings

Finally, finish off with fresh cilantro and optional toppings like creamy avocado slices or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop generous portions onto plates or into bowls. Gather around the table with loved ones and dive into this comforting Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet that’s sure to delight everyone!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Making this dish is a breeze, but a few tricks can elevate it to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion enhance the flavors significantly compared to dried ones, making your dish more aromatic and tantalizing.

• Choose the right rice: Long grain white rice works best here as it absorbs the flavors while maintaining a nice texture. Avoid using quick-cooking rice, as it may not blend well with the other ingredients.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or even some diced jalapeños. This will allow you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

• Let it rest: Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Experiment with toppings: While cilantro and avocado are great, consider adding things like sliced radishes or a sprinkle of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Serving this delightful dish is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable!

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro not only adds color but also provides a fresh herbaceous note that complements the salsa verde perfectly.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices can add richness and balance out the spices in the dish.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can brighten up all the flavors and give it an extra zing.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This fresh salad made with corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese is sweet and tangy, providing a refreshing contrast to the hearty skillet meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness that pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the chicken and rice.
• Guacamole with Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a perfect appetizer or side that enhances your Mexican-inspired meal.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve this dish alongside sautéed cauliflower rice. It soaks up all those delicious flavors without adding extra calories.

Enjoy creating this vibrant and flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet—your family will thank you!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is not only a delicious meal but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store the skillet.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, covered, until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use another type of chicken for Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use grilled or baked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken. Just make sure to shred it for easy mixing.

How long does it take to make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

This flavorful dish takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!

Can I customize the ingredients in Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap out beans. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!

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

Yes! It’s great for meal prep as it stores well and tastes fantastic even after being reheated.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet becomes a staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine! It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but packed with flavor that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy making this dish for yourself and your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to personalize it! Happy cooking!