Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Name: Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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

Author: Clara Hastings

Published: September 3, 2025

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Introduction to Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Hey there, fellow busy cooks! If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of coming home after a long day and needing a quick, delicious dinner solution. That’s where my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet comes into play. It’s a delightful, one-pan meal that’s not only bursting with flavor but also super simple to whip up. Picture this: tender chicken, zesty salsa verde, and fluffy rice all cooked together in harmony. This dish is perfect for impressing your loved ones or just enjoying a cozy night in with the family!

Why You’ll Love This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is truly a lifesaver for busy moms and professionals. It whips up in just 35 minutes, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones. The flavors are vibrant and satisfying, making even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds. Plus, you only need one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. Who doesn’t love that?

Ingredients for Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Gathering the right ingredients for your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet not only sets the stage for a great meal but also brings joy to the cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Shredded rotisserie chicken: This time-saver is tender, flavorful, and adds heartiness to the dish. Feel free to use leftover cooked chicken if you have it on hand.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the skillet, enhancing the overall flavor. You could substitute with white onion for a sharper taste.
Minced garlic: Brings a wonderful aroma and taste, elevating every bite. Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch.
Extra virgin olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and adds a nice fruity flavor. Canola or avocado oil are good alternatives.
Salsa verde: The star of the dish! This vibrant green sauce delivers tangy and spicy notes. You can find it pre-made in most grocery stores or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
Diced green chiles: These bring a gentle heat and a flavorful kick. Canned green chiles are convenient, but fresh peppers can be roasted and diced for more depth.
White long grain rice: Offers a fluffy base for the dish. You can substitute with brown rice or quinoa, but adjust cook times accordingly.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and extra flavor to the rice. Homemade broth is fabulous if you have it, or you can use low-sodium canned broth to keep things healthier.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy richness. Feel free to swap with cheddar or pepper jack for a twist!
Black beans: These are nutrient-packed and add protein. Canned beans are super convenient, just make sure to rinse them well.
Roasted corn: Gives a sweet crunch to the dish. Frozen corn works well, just toss it in without thawing!
Chili powder: This spice blend adds depth and warmth. You can use your favorite chili blend or even a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
Sea salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together. Adjust to taste based on your dietary needs.
Cumin: Adds an earthy flavor that compliments the chicken and vegetables perfectly. A pinch of smoked paprika could work if you’re a fan of that smoky flavor.
Garlic powder: A great addition to deepen the garlic flavor. If you don’t have garlic powder, simply add more fresh garlic.
Dash of black pepper: Just a sprinkle adds a touch of warmth.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro as a topping brightens the dish and gives it a fresh finish. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work, too!
Optional toppings: Consider garnishing your skillet with avocado or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor and texture.

All ingredients with specific measurements are listed at the bottom of the article for your convenience, perfect for printing! Enjoy the creative joy of cooking!

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Step 1 – Sauté Aromatics

To begin your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of diced yellow onion. Sauté these aromatics for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the onion to become soft and translucent while the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step is key to layering flavor in your dish!

Step 2 – Seasoning Blend

While your onion and garlic are softening, grab a small bowl to mix your spices. Combine 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for about a minute. This step adds depth to your salsa verde chicken and rice skillet.

Step 3 – Combine Main Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Take the sautéed mixture off the heat and add in your star ingredients. Pour in 1 can of rinsed and drained black beans, ½ cup of roasted corn, and 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Follow that with 1 can (4 oz) of diced green chiles and 2 cups of chicken broth. Now, pour in 15.5 oz of salsa verde and add 1 cup of long grain rice. Give everything a good stir to combine thoroughly. It should look colorful and appetizing at this stage, and the aroma will be irresistible!

Step 4 – Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. You’ll want to let it bubble for about 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is combined well. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Set your timer for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook perfectly and absorb all the delightful flavors. Keep an eye on it, but resist the urge to lift the lid too much!

Step 5 – Cheese Melting

Once the timer goes off, check if the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. If it needs a few more minutes, simply add a splash of broth and cover again. When the rice is all done, turn off the heat and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Cover the pan for another 2-3 minutes, giving the cheese time to melt beautifully. The gooey melted cheese is going to make your dish shine!

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve

Finally, let’s finish this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. Remove the lid and gently fluff the dish with a fork. Top it off with a handful of chopped cilantro, slices of creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Serve it hot and watch your family dig in with joy. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Success

Prep your ingredients in advance to speed up cooking time.
If using brown rice, increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes. It requires more liquid.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Try adding other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
This dish stores well, so make a double batch for easy leftovers!

Equipment Needed

Large skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet works great for even cooking.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring your ingredients without damaging the pan.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy, but you can eyeball ingredients if you’re comfortable.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping those aromatics!

Variations on Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the shredded chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based meal.
Spicy Kick: Add more diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who love heat.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, swap in cauliflower rice instead of long-grain rice. Adjust the liquid accordingly.
Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist, or go with feta for a unique flavor profile.
Mexican Street Corn Style: Mix in crumbled cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime for that beloved street corn flavor.
Cheesy Broccoli: Toss in some steamed broccoli florets right before serving for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh Salad: Pair with a light cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
Drinks: Serve with a chilled margarita or a sparkling limeade for a festive touch.
Presentation: Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color and zest.
Tortilla Chips: Offer tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy, fun element.

FAQs about Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Can I make the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it easily during the week. Just make sure to reheat it on a low flame, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist.

What can I substitute for salsa verde?
If you can’t find salsa verde, you can use regular salsa or even a homemade blend of green tomatillos, jalapeños, and lime juice. This will still deliver that delightful flavor you’re after.

Are there any dietary adjustments I can make?
Yes, for a gluten-free version, ensure that all your ingredients are gluten-free, particularly the chicken broth. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping chicken with lentils or chickpeas and using vegetable broth.

How do I store leftovers of this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so feel free to portion it out for future meals!

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
While I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, you can cook raw chicken in the skillet first, then follow the remaining steps. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Cooking my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet brings a sense of peace to my busy evenings. With every colorful layer, I’m reminded of the joy that simple, home-cooked meals can bring to our tables. Whether you’re gathering around for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is a flavorful companion to your culinary adventures. The best part? It’s a stress-free way to serve up love and care on a plate. Your family will savor every bite, and you’ll relish the happiness these moments create together!