Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying, this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is your answer! This dish has quickly become a family favorite in our home because it’s packed with flavor and takes just 30 minutes to whip up. Whether you’re having a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a gathering, this one-pan meal has got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

The beauty of this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet lies in its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It’s not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have tasty leftovers for lunch the next day. What more could you ask for?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the comforting flavors of chicken, rice, and salsa verde combined into one skillet.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, plus veggies from the corn and chiles, this meal is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner; it reheats beautifully!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s gather what we need!

For the Skillet

• 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 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup roasted corn

For Seasoning

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• dash of black pepper

For Toppings

• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 3 tbsp cilantro
• optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or cooked quinoa instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add jalapeños or use a spicier salsa verde.
• Change the cheese: Try feta or pepper jack cheese for a unique flavor.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat Up Your Pan

Start by adding olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. This will give your dish a rich base flavor. Once the oil is hot, it’s time to add some aromatic goodness!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add minced garlic and diced yellow onion to the pan. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and translucent. This step is crucial because it brings out the sweet flavors of the onion while allowing the garlic to infuse into the oil.

Step 3: Mix in Spices

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle these spices into your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir them well until everything is fragrant — this will elevate your dish’s flavor profile!

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Now it’s time to pour in those delicious ingredients! Add the drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice into the skillet. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat slightly to bring everything to a boil for about 2-3 minutes. This helps cook off some liquid before we let it simmer. Once boiling starts happening nicely…

Step 6: Simmer with Lid On

Reduce the heat to low and cover your skillet with a lid. Set your timer for 15 minutes! This allows the rice to absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks through.

Step 7: Check Rice Doneness

When your timer goes off (yay!), check if the rice is tender. If not quite done yet, don’t worry; just give it another few minutes on low heat until everything is perfectly cooked.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese!

Once your rice has soaked up all that delicious broth and is fluffy, turn off the heat. Top generously with shredded monterey jack cheese! Cover again with a lid for about 2-3 minutes so that melty goodness happens.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

When that cheese is beautifully melted (you can do it!), sprinkle fresh cilantro on top along with any optional toppings like creamy avocado or red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Enjoy!

Dig into this hearty Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! Serve hot at your table — each bite will be bursting with flavor!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Making a delicious dish is all about the little details, and these tips will help ensure your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet turns out perfect every time!

• Use freshly shredded chicken – While rotisserie chicken is convenient, shredding your own cooked chicken can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
• Adjust spice levels – If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding more green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste buds.
• Let it rest before serving – Allowing the skillet to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with cheese – Feel free to swap out Monterey Jack for other cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for extra flavor variations!
• Make it a complete meal – Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or spinach into the mix to add nutrients and color to your skillet.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This vibrant dish not only tastes amazing but also looks fantastic on the table. Here are some delightful ways to serve it up!

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds brightness and an aromatic touch that complements the salsa verde beautifully.
• Sliced avocado – Creamy avocado slices bring richness and balance out the spices in this hearty meal.
• Red pepper flakes – For those who love some heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile even further.

Side Dishes

• Simple green salad – A light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich skillet dish.
• Guacamole and tortilla chips – This classic pairing offers a fun, interactive element to your dinner and adds creamy texture alongside crunchy chips.
• Mexican corn on the cob – Grilled corn brushed with lime juice and sprinkled with cotija cheese is a perfect side that enhances the Southwestern flavors.
• Roasted vegetables – A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables brings in extra nutrients and adds color to your meal plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet will not only be easy to make but also an impressive centerpiece for any weeknight dinner! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is not only a delightful dish but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week without compromising on flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet.

Can I use other types of chicken for the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Absolutely! If you don’t have shredded rotisserie chicken on hand, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs beforehand and shred them for this recipe.

How can I make the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition!

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

This dish is versatile! You can serve it with a side salad, corn tortillas, or even fresh guacamole to enhance the flavors.

Can I adjust the spice level in my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Yes! Feel free to add more chili powder or even some jalapeños if you like it spicier. Conversely, reduce the chili powder if you prefer a milder taste.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet becomes a favorite in your home just like it has in mine! It’s quick, comforting, and packed with delicious ingredients that come together beautifully. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones; there’s nothing quite like a warm meal that brings everyone together. Happy cooking!