Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a delicious and effortless weeknight dinner, you’ve come to the right place! My Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a go-to recipe that never fails to please. It’s packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and comes together in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy nights or family gatherings, this dish is as delightful to share as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and hearty ingredients, everyone at the table will love it—even the pickiest eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this ahead of time and reheat for an easy meal on busier days.
• Flavorful and Filling: The combination of salsa verde, spices, and cheese creates a comforting meal that satisfies both hunger and taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making this meal not only easy to prepare but also nourishing. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for this fantastic Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

Main Ingredients

• 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

Spices

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

Toppings

• 3 tbsp cilantro
• Optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes

Variations

One thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use cooked shredded turkey or even tofu for a plant-based option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutrition factor.
• Spice it up: If you like things hot, add some jalapeños or extra chili powder for a little kick.
• Change the cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese—pepper jack adds a nice spice!

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. Heating the oil first is important as it helps create a base for sautéing our veggies.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the oil is warm, toss in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and the onion turns translucent—this step brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

Step 3: Season It Up

In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mix into the pan with your garlic and onions. Stirring it in now allows those spices to bloom beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for all the goodness! Pour in the drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Mix everything well until combined—it’s starting to smell amazing already!

Step 5: Bring to a Boil

Increase the heat slightly until everything comes to a boil (about 2-3 minutes). Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so it simmers gently. Cover with a lid and set your timer for 15 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook perfectly while absorbing all those lovely flavors.

Step 6: Check Your Rice

When your timer goes off, check if the rice has cooked through. If needed, give it another few minutes on low heat until it’s tender.

Step 7: Melt That Cheese

Once your rice has absorbed all that delicious broth and is fluffy, turn off the heat. Top with shredded cheese and cover again for about 2-3 minutes so that cheese can melt beautifully over everything.

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Finally! When that cheese is melted just right, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top along with slices of avocado and a dash of red pepper flakes if desired.

Enjoy!

Dig in while it’s warm! Each bite of this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet will remind you why it’s such a cherished recipe in my kitchen. Enjoy every moment shared around the table!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Creating the perfect Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet can be a breeze when you apply a few handy tips!

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves you time and adds rich flavor, making your cooking process quicker and easier.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños. This allows you to customize the heat level to suit your taste buds.

• Let it simmer longer: If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the initial 15 minutes, don’t hesitate to let it simmer for an extra few minutes. This ensures that the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.

• Experiment with cheese: While Monterey Jack is delightful, feel free to swap in pepper jack or even vegan cheese for a different flavor profile. It gives you the freedom to try new tastes while keeping the dish appealing.

• Make it a meal prep star: This skillet dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week, making dinner prep even more convenient!

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Serving this colorful and flavorful dish can elevate your dining experience! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the dish’s flavor with its bright, herbal notes.

• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado slices complement the spices perfectly and add a lovely richness that balances out the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This zesty salad features corn, lime juice, cilantro, and spices for a fresh and tangy side that pairs beautifully with your skillet dish.

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette provides refreshing crunch and acidity that contrasts nicely with the warm and savory skillet.

• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips is always a hit. It offers a fun, shareable side that’s great for gatherings or family dinners.

• Cilantro Lime Rice: For an extra dose of flavor, serve some fluffy cilantro lime rice on the side. Its zesty profile complements the main dish perfectly without overwhelming it.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to impress your family or guests with this easy-to-make yet flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a fantastic choice for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stores well, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• This dish can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• Portion out the skillet into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed for moisture.
• Alternatively, microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded rotisserie chicken for the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before adding them to the skillet. Just ensure they are fully cooked before mixing them with other ingredients.

What can I substitute for Monterey Jack cheese in the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

You can use any melty cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or pepper jack. They will melt beautifully and add a delicious flavor!

Is this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when made with gluten-free rice and ensuring that your salsa verde and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this comforting Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! It’s not only simple but also bursting with flavor and nutrition—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t hesitate to share your own twist on this recipe. Happy cooking!