Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a one-pan wonder that delivers both comfort and a flavor adventure, look no further than this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. Packed with savory rotisserie chicken, warming spices, tangy salsa verde, and layers of melted cheese, this dish is as easy as it is irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving friends on game night, everything comes together in just one skillet, saving you time on cleanup while packing each bite with color, texture, and that unbeatable kick of Tex-Mex zest. Trust me, this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet will quickly earn a regular spot at your dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is its lineup of simple yet powerful ingredients—each one brings something unique, whether it’s luscious richness, vibrant color, or a punch of flavor. Here’s why you won’t want to skip a single thing:

• Rotisserie chicken *: Shredded rotisserie chicken adds instant savoriness and makes this dish both quick and protein-packed.
• Yellow onion *: Diced for sweetness and depth, the onion becomes meltingly soft and aromatic as it cooks.
• Garlic cloves *: Minced garlic delivers essential bold, fragrant flavor that sets the base for the entire skillet.
• Extra virgin olive oil *: Just a drizzle helps soften the onion and garlic while infusing everything with a rich note.
• Salsa verde *: The heart of the dish—choose your favorite jarred variety to bring a tangy, zesty green kick.
• Diced green chiles *: These mild chiles add subtle heat and wonderful southwestern character.
• White long grain rice *: Cooks up fluffy and soaks in every bit of flavor; long-grain rice is best for perfect, non-mushy results.
• Chicken broth *: This helps the rice cook up tender and adds extra richness to the sauce.
• Monterey Jack cheese *: Shredded for easy melting, this cheese creates a luscious, creamy topping.
• Black beans *: Rinsed and drained, these deliver earthiness and a protein boost, plus gorgeous contrast to the dish.
• Roasted corn *: Adds pops of sweetness and gentle bite, bringing out the Southwest flavors.
• Chili powder *: Offers warmth and just the right hint of smoky spice.
• Sea salt *: Enhances all the flavors and ties the whole dish together.
• Cumin *: For that earthy, nutty undertone that’s a Tex-Mex must.
• Garlic powder *: An extra hit of garlic ensures no flavor gets left behind.
• Black pepper *: A dash rounds out the seasonings and adds a little extra depth.
• Cilantro *: This fresh herb is the finishing touch for a burst of color and brightness.
• Optional toppings (avocado, red pepper flakes) *: Creamy avocado and a pinch of red pepper flakes let each eater make their serving their own.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by warming up your pan over medium heat, then add that generous tablespoon of olive oil. This creates a glossy, fragrant base that will soften your aromatics and set the flavor foundation for your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. The aroma sizzles up right away, letting you know something delicious is about to happen!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next up, toss in your diced yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them gently cook until they’re lightly golden and aromatic. The goal is to draw out their sweetness which will infuse every grain of rice and piece of chicken with subtle, savory richness.

Step 3: Add Spices

In a small bowl, combine your chili powder, cumin, sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the sautéed onion and garlic, giving everything a good stir. This quick step blooms the spices in the hot oil, so their flavors deepen and spread throughout the whole skillet.

Step 4: Build the Skillet

Now for the fun part—load up the pan with your drained and rinsed black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Mix everything together thoroughly so every bite is packed with bright colors and textures. You’ll see right away why this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is such a showstopper!

Step 5: Boil, Then Simmer

Bring the skillet contents to a bubbling boil for just 2 to 3 minutes. This helps to quickly heat the liquid and start the rice cooking. After boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and place a lid on the pan. Set a timer for 15 minutes—now you can relax while the magic happens.

Step 6: Check and Adjust Rice

Once the timer goes off, sneak a peek and gently fluff. If the rice is perfectly tender and the liquid is absorbed, you’re ready for the finishing touches! If not, let it cook for a few more minutes until the rice is soft and the mixture is thick and hearty.

Step 7: Add Cheese

With the heat off, sprinkle your Monterey Jack cheese all over the top. Cover again and let the residual heat melt it into a gooey, swoon-worthy layer—this takes just 2 or 3 minutes, but the wait is so worth it.

Step 8: Finish with Freshness

Once melted, it’s time for flair: add freshly chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This elevates your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet visually and brings a burst of flavor and texture to the table.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Dish it up straight from the skillet—every spoonful has rice, beans, juicy chicken, and cheese. Pass around extra salsa verde or avocado, and add a squeeze of lime if desired. Sit back and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Garnishes

This dish loves a flourish! Finish with plenty of fresh cilantro for color, creamy avocado slices for that wow factor, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you crave a little extra heat. A handful of thinly sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime also work wonders for brightening the whole pan.

Side Dishes

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, warm flour tortillas, or a scoop of guacamole turns dinner into a full-blown fiesta. Warm tortilla chips on the side are perfect for scooping up every last bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping spoonfuls into lettuce cups for a fun, handheld appetizer, or pile it into warm burrito bowls with extra toppings for a make-your-own-night. Leftovers make a stunning filling for stuffed peppers or quesadillas—so many ways to dress up your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet cool slightly before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or grab-and-go lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully—just spoon cooled portions into a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of headspace. It’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheats surprisingly well without losing texture or flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep everything tender and moist. The microwave works for quick lunches; just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving to revive that just-cooked freshness!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another type of rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and might require a bit more broth. Follow the same steps and adjust the simmering time until your rice is tender, adding liquid if the pan gets dry.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely—swap in more beans or use plant-based “chicken” strips and vegetable broth. The Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is super flexible so you can make it to suit any diet.

What’s the best salsa verde to use?

Choose your favorite store-bought salsa verde or even homemade if you’ve got time. Look for something with a balance of tang, mild heat, and plenty of herby flavor—the sauce really shines in this recipe!

Can I make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the whole skillet in advance and gently reheat before serving. Consider waiting to add the cheese and fresh toppings until just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What are some fun topping ideas?

Beyond the classics, try pickled red onions, sliced jalapeños, a drizzle of Mexican crema, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch. Let your taste buds guide you and have fun customizing your own bowl!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about gathering around a skillet filled with Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet, knowing that every scoop is delicious, hearty, and impossibly easy to make. If you haven’t tried this one-pan favorite yet, I hope you’re inspired to give it a go—you’re about to fall in love with just how flavorful dinner can be!

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