Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe

If you crave something vibrant, cozy, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite weeknight wonder: Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet! This one-pan beauty bursts with zesty flavors, melty cheese, and hearty ingredients — all on the table in just 30 minutes. Your busy evenings just got a little more delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet comes together in a snap. Every ingredient earns its place, adding color, texture, or a pop of flavor that makes each forkful exciting.

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: A big time-saver! Ready-cooked, juicy chicken makes this skillet ultra-easy and ultra-tender.
• Yellow onion: Diced for classic savory sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic brings irresistible aroma and richness; don’t skimp!
• Extra virgin olive oil: Just a splash is all you need to sauté veggies and jumpstart the flavors.
• Salsa verde: The star of the show! This tangy, vibrant sauce packs a punch of green chili, tomatillo, and lime.
• Diced green chiles: Adds roasted, gentle heat and a Southwest vibe.
• White long grain rice: Cooks up tender as it soaks up all the flavor—no mushy rice here!
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melty, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying over the top.
• Black beans: Rinsed and drained for creamy, earthy goodness and protein boost.
• Roasted corn: A hint of sweetness and smoky char that pops in every bite.
• Chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, black pepper: This spice blend brings balanced warmth and boldness.
• Cilantro: Fresh, herby finish that brightens the whole dish.
• Optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes: These extras add creamy, spicy flair for those who love to customize!

Variations

The beautiful thing about Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is just how customizable it is. Don’t hesitate to make this dish your own—switch up the protein, pump up the veggies, or adapt it for your family’s tastes and dietary needs.

• Veggie-Packed Version: Stir in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chipotle powder if you’re craving more heat.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Skip the cheese or use a favorite plant-based shreds to keep it cheesy without the dairy.
• Change Up the Protein: Swap in shredded turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a meatless meal.
• Mexican Rice Style: Try it with brown rice (just add extra broth and extend cooking time) for a nutty flavor and whole grain goodness.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion softens and everything smells deeply fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. This is how you build a savory base that’ll carry the whole dish.

Step 2: Add the Spices

While your onions and garlic sizzle away, mix the chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl. Add the spice blend to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds—just until your kitchen smells like you want to move in!

Step 3: Build the Skillet

Next, pour in the black beans, roasted corn, shredded rotisserie chicken, diced green chiles, salsa verde, rice, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so the rice is fully submerged and all that deliciousness is mingling in the pan.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Raise the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil for just 2–3 minutes, then immediately reduce to a simmer and cover with a lid. Let it cook for about 15 minutes (set your timer!), or until the rice is perfectly tender and the liquid is absorbed. If the rice isn’t done, add a splash more broth and give it a few extra minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Freshness

Once the rice is fluffy and cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese all over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until perfectly melted and gooey. Finish with fresh cilantro, and if desired, slices of creamy avocado and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flair.

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with fun, fresh garnishes! A shower of chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, or a scatter of red pepper flakes takes your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet from delicious to absolutely dazzling. Dollops of sour cream or a squeeze of lime elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is a meal in itself, I love serving it with crisp tortilla chips, a quick tomato salad, or even a side of sautéed greens. For a party vibe, pair with a sparkling lime agua fresca or a tangy margarita!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, scoop the hot skillet straight onto warm tortillas for DIY burritos or serve over a bed of crisp romaine for a hearty Tex-Mex salad bowl. Or try piling everything into individual oven-safe bowls, then broil a little extra cheese on top for mini “bake and serve” entrées.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet keeps beautifully! Just transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and become even more delicious overnight—bonus!

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—simply let the skillet cool, scoop into freezer-friendly containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat for an instant comfort-food fix whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep things moist, or warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Stir now and then for even heating—and don’t forget to refresh your garnishes!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet—it’s comfort food that just happens to be easy, colorful, and full of personality! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this is one skillet you’ll want to return to again and again. Enjoy every zesty, cheesy bite!

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