Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is just what you need. It’s one of those recipes that has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only simple to prepare but also bursting with flavors that everyone in the family loves. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed family gathering, this dish always hits the spot!

I love how versatile and quick this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is—perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. You can whip it up in just about 30 minutes, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one skillet and 30 minutes, dinner is served without the fuss!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the cheesy goodness combined with the zesty salsa verde—it’s a guaranteed hit!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled beans, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: This recipe allows for easy substitutions, so you can customize it to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! Just store leftovers in the fridge for easy reheating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delicious Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. The best part? Most of these items are pantry staples!

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 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 mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use shredded turkey or cooked lentils instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack or cheddar for an extra kick of flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like some heat in your dish!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by adding olive oil to your skillet over medium heat. Once hot, toss in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sautéing them until fragrant not only brings out their natural sweetness but also forms a flavorful base.

Step 2: Season It Up

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend into your skillet with the onions and garlic. Letting these spices bloom enhances their flavors and adds depth to your dish.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, pour in drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and white long grain rice. Stir everything together gently until well combined. This step ensures that every grain of rice absorbs all that tasty salsa verde goodness.

Step 4: Cook It Down

Bring the mixture to a boil for about 2-3 minutes before reducing the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and set your timer for 15 minutes. This covered simmering allows the rice to cook perfectly while soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Once time’s up, lift that lid! Check if your rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. If not quite ready yet, give it another few minutes on low heat—patience pays off here!

Step 6: Melt That Cheese

After confirming the rice is fluffy and cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top of your creation before covering again for about 2-3 minutes. This little melting moment makes everything extra delicious!

Step 7: Final Touches

When that cheese has melted beautifully (yes!), it’s time to add fresh cilantro on top along with avocado slices and maybe a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Scoop yourself a generous portion of this delightful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet onto your plate. Whether enjoyed solo or shared with loved ones around the table—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Cooking this delicious dish can be a breeze with a few handy tips! Here are some suggestions to ensure your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet turns out perfectly every time.

• Use pre-cooked chicken: This saves you time and hassle. Shredded rotisserie chicken adds flavor and makes the cooking process incredibly quick, ideal for busy weeknights.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a little more heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. This will give your dish an extra kick that spice lovers will enjoy.

• Don’t skip the cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor that complements the salsa verde beautifully. It brightens up the dish, making each bite more vibrant and enjoyable.

• Let it rest before serving: After cooking, allow the skillet to sit for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of your meal.

• Experiment with cheese: While Monterey Jack cheese is delicious, feel free to swap it out for pepper jack or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for something different or have dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Presenting your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet can add an extra touch of warmth and hospitality to your meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• • Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances out the spices in the skillet.
• • Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice right before eating brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing zing.
• • Chopped green onions: These provide a mild onion flavor and make for an appealing visual contrast against the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• • Cilantro Lime Rice: This zesty rice pairs perfectly with the flavors in your skillet while providing a light, citrusy contrast.
• • Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a crisp texture that complements the hearty skillet.
• • Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are easy to prepare on the grill and add wonderful smoky notes that enhance your meal.
• • Tortilla Chips with Guacamole: For a fun appetizer or side, crunchy tortilla chips served alongside creamy guacamole provide an enjoyable texture contrast that everyone loves.

Feel free to mix and match these garnishes and sides according to your preferences; they’ll elevate your dining experience! Enjoy every savory bite of your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

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 leftovers, or even freeze portions for later. Here’s how to make the most of your skillet dish:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions.

Freezing

• Divide the cooled skillet into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave individual portions; cover with a microwave-safe lid and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

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

Absolutely! While shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient, you can also use cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the skillet.

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

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition! You can also adjust the spice level by using spicier salsa verde or adding jalapeños.

Can I make a vegetarian version of Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Yes! Simply replace shredded chicken with additional beans or even quinoa. Adjust the seasoning as needed, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian dish!

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own! However, you may enjoy serving it with some tortilla chips, a side salad, or fresh guacamole for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet brings warmth and joy to your dinner table! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor and protein. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, I’m sure you’ll love making it as much as I do. Enjoy every bite!