Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a cozy, fulfilling dish that comes together in no time, you’ve landed in the right place! This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s not just easy to whip up; it also packs in all the flavors and nutrition you crave. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will become a staple in your home!

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility and comfort. You can enjoy it as a hearty main course after a long day or serve it at a casual get-together with friends. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this skillet meal is perfect for those hectic nights.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of salsa verde and spices creates a delightful flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy digging into this delicious bowl of goodness!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare a big batch ahead of time and reheat it for an easy meal later in the week.
• Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this mouthwatering Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! These items are easy to find and come together beautifully for an effortless dinner.

• 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

One of the best things about this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is how flexible it is! Feel free to switch things up based on your taste preferences or what you have in your kitchen.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the beans: Try pinto beans or kidney beans instead of black beans for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat Your Pan

Start by adding olive oil to a pan over medium heat. This step is crucial because heating the oil first allows it to evenly coat the pan and helps achieve that perfect sauté.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sautéing these aromatics until they’re fragrant not only enhances their natural sweetness but also sets a delicious base for the entire dish.

Step 3: Mix Spices

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adding these spices at this stage ensures they blend well with the garlic and onion flavors before introducing other ingredients.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in the rinsed black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Stir everything together until well combined. This step is essential as it allows all those fabulous flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Increase the heat until everything comes to a gentle boil—about 2–3 minutes should do. This initial boiling helps cook the rice efficiently once we lower the heat.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Reduce the heat to simmer and cover with a lid. Set your timer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb all that delicious liquid while cooking perfectly!

Step 7: Check Rice Doneness

Once your timer goes off, check if the rice is cooked through. If not just yet, give it a few more minutes—no one likes crunchy rice!

Step 8: Melt Some Cheese

When the rice has absorbed all that wonderful liquid and is tender, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before covering again for an additional couple of minutes allowing that cheesy goodness to melt into perfection.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy!

Finally, once everything looks gooey and delicious, top off with fresh cilantro, avocado slices if desired, and red pepper flakes for those who like an extra kick! Serve warm straight from the skillet—it’s time to dig in!

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet truly brings comfort food to another level! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This dish is as easy as it is delicious, and with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect skillet dinner!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. They add depth and aroma that dried alternatives simply can’t match.

• Customize Your Spice Level: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding fresh jalapeños or an extra dash of chili powder. This allows you to tailor the spiciness to your family’s preference.

• Experiment with Rice Types: While long grain rice works beautifully, you can also try brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly!

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow your skillet to sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and gives the rice a chance to absorb any remaining moisture.

• Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Presenting your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet can make all the difference in how it’s enjoyed. Here are some ideas to make this dish truly shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the salsa verde beautifully.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices bring richness and a lovely contrast in texture to the vibrant ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can add that perfect spicy kick right at the end.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs nicely with the hearty flavors of the skillet. It adds freshness and balances out the meal.

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: Roasted corn mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and cheese creates a flavorful side that mirrors some of the key ingredients in your main dish.

• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: This classic pairing provides crunch and creaminess alongside your skillet dish. The guacamole’s coolness complements the warm spices perfectly.

• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or zucchini adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish. It’s an easy way to round out your meal healthily.

Enjoy creating this delightful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

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

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover skillet in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Many readers often have questions about this recipe, so here are some common inquiries answered!

Can I use different types of rice for the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Absolutely! While long grain white rice works best for this recipe, you can substitute it with brown rice or even quinoa. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet spicier?

If you love heat, you can add more diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You could also top your serving with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!

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

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs well with a side salad or some tortilla chips and guacamole for a fun twist!

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

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! It’s not only simple but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or sharing it with family and friends, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to customize it further to suit your taste!