Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and quick to prepare, the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is just what you need! This dish has become a staple in my home, especially on those busy weeknights when time is short but appetites are big. It combines juicy shredded chicken, zesty salsa verde, and hearty rice all in one pan. Plus, it’s so delicious that it’s sure to please the whole family!

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just want a simple dinner for yourself, this dish fits the bill perfectly. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a nutritious choice that comes together in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights, this dish can be on your table in about 30 minutes.
• Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
• One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients in advance or even make extra for leftovers.
• Flavor Packed: The zesty salsa verde and spices create a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll 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 adapt it to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use cooked turkey or shredded beef instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick!
• Make it vegan: Substitute shredded jackfruit for chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by adding extra virgin olive oil to your skillet over medium heat. This step is essential as it creates a nice base for sautéing the onions and garlic.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the minced garlic and diced yellow onion. Sauté them until they’re fragrant and the onion becomes translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 3: Add Spices

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir well to infuse those lovely flavors together.

Step 4: Combine Main Ingredients

Now it’s time to add all your main ingredients! Pour in the drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Increase the heat slightly until everything comes to a gentle boil—about 2-3 minutes. This helps ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Step 6: Simmer Away

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Set your timer for 15 minutes while everything simmers away.

Step 7: Check Your Rice

When time’s up, take off the lid and check if your rice is fully cooked. If it needs more time to absorb liquid or soften up, give it another few minutes.

Step 8: Melt That Cheese!

Once your rice has soaked up all those delicious flavors and liquid, turn off the heat. Top generously with shredded cheese and cover again for an additional 2-3 minutes until melted.

Step 9: Serve It Up!

Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top along with optional avocado slices and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this wonderful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This dish is not only delicious but also a breeze to make with these helpful tips!

• Use pre-cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, making your cooking process quicker without sacrificing taste.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder or skip the red pepper flakes. This allows you to customize the heat to your liking.

• Try different beans: While black beans are great, feel free to substitute with pinto or kidney beans for a twist. Each bean adds its unique flavor and texture.

• Enhance with fresh herbs: Fresh cilantro adds brightness, but consider adding parsley or green onions as well for added freshness and a pop of color.

• Make it a meal prep option: This skillet dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prepping. Simply reheat and enjoy throughout the week!

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Presenting your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• • Avocado slices: Creamy avocado complements the flavors beautifully while adding healthy fats.
• • Fresh lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the dish and enhances its overall flavor.
• • Chopped green onions: These add an extra layer of crunch and a mild onion flavor that contrasts nicely with the other ingredients.

Side Dishes

• • Garden Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the warm skillet dish.
• • Mexican Street Corn Salad: This flavorful salad made with corn, lime, cilantro, and cotija cheese offers a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with your main dish.
• • Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies makes for a nutritious side that complements the flavors in your skillet while adding extra protein.
• • Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled until tender not only add color but also enhance the healthy aspect of your meal.

With these tips for serving and garnishing, you’ll have a beautiful presentation that encourages everyone at your table to dig in! Enjoy every bite of this comforting and wholesome 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 whip up a batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover skillet dish in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Consider portioning it out into smaller containers for easy meals later on.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then follow the same reheating instructions.
• You can also use a microwave; heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that might help:

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

Absolutely! You can substitute rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken breast or even turkey. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the skillet.

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

To add some heat to your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or using a spicier salsa verde. You could also top it with some sliced fresh chili peppers!

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

This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips with guacamole.

Can I adjust the rice quantity in Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of rice based on your preference. Just remember to balance the liquid accordingly if you change the rice quantity.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet as much as I do! It’s a heartwarming dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will satisfy everyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!