Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a delightful and easy weeknight dinner option. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prep. Enjoy the perfect combination of tender chicken, zesty salsa verde, and fluffy rice in one pan. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can be customized with your favorite toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of salsa verde and spices adds a burst of flavor that everyone will love.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in a single skillet.
• Customizable: Add your choice of toppings like avocado or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe makes great leftovers, perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this delicious Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Stirring spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet allows for even cooking while preventing sticking, making cleanup easier.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you make this recipe.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and safe, reducing prep time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting ingredients without damaging your countertops.

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Ingredients

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is perfect to make for an easy weeknight dinner and made with a few simple ingredients! It’s packed with protein and so delicious.

For the Chicken Mixture

• 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

For the Toppings

• 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

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Add olive oil to a pan to heat on medium.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add minced garlic and diced yellow onion to the pan. Cook until fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Spices

Mix together spices in a small bowl:
1. Chili powder
2. Sea salt
3. Cumin
4. Garlic powder
Add them to season with garlic and onion until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Mix together to combine.

Step 5: Bring to Boil

Bring the mixture to a boil for 2-3 minutes before turning heat to simmer. Set timer for 15 minutes with lid on.

Step 6: Check Rice Cooking Progress

Once timer is up, check if rice is cooked through. Set timer for additional time if needed.

Step 7: Melt Cheese

Once rice has completely soaked up the liquid and is cooked through, turn off heat. Top with shredded cheese; place lid on pan to allow cheese to melt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve with Toppings

When cheese has melted, top with cilantro, avocado, and red pepper flakes.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

How to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal and impress your family or guests.

Topping Ideas

• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spice of the salsa verde.
• Fresh cilantro – Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Red pepper flakes – Add a sprinkle for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Accompaniments

• Lime wedges – Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish that brightens each bite.
• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and helps to cool down spiciness.
• Crushed tortilla chips – For crunch, offer crushed tortilla chips as a fun topping option.

How to Perfect Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

To make this dish truly shine, consider these handy tips for perfecting your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet.

• Use rotisserie chicken – This saves time and adds great flavor without any extra cooking.
• Adjust spice levels – Feel free to modify the chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Let it rest – Allowing the skillet to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together.
• Experiment with toppings – Try different toppings like diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Complement your main dish with these delicious side options. Each choice will enhance your dining experience while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad – A refreshing mix of corn, lime, and herbs that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors.
2. Simple Green Salad – Crisp greens tossed with vinaigrette provide a light contrast to the hearty skillet.
3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole not only tastes great but also enhances the salsa verde’s flavor profile.
4. Cilantro Lime Rice – Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime complements the flavors in the skillet dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables – Colorful roasted veggies add texture and nutrients, making your plate vibrant and satisfying.
6. Chips and Salsa – Classic tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa verde create a delightful appetizer before digging into the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet can be simple, but there are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Failing to season your ingredients properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust the spices before serving.
• Boldly overcooking rice: Overcooking the rice can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the timer and check the rice a few minutes before it’s supposed to be done.
• Boldly ignoring cheese melt: Rushing the melting process can result in clumpy cheese. Allow it to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking for a smooth finish.
• Boldly underestimating prep time: Underestimating how long prep takes can lead to delays. Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother experience.
• Boldly skipping toppings: Neglecting optional toppings like avocado or cilantro can reduce flavor depth. Don’t skip these; they add freshness and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

• Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet.

What is Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet?

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal made with shredded chicken, rice, salsa verde, and various spices. It’s delicious and easy to prepare!

Can I use other proteins in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the shredded chicken with turkey or beef if you prefer a different protein.

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

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also swap cheeses according to your taste.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy experimenting with different ingredients!