Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, zesty salsa verde, and cheesy rice, it delivers comfort and convenience in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and rice, stirring to combine.
- Step 2: Pour in salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir well, then bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top and cover again for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté some diced onions and garlic before adding the chicken and rice.
- Try adding black beans or corn for a heartier meal.
- Use brown rice for a healthier, whole grain option—just increase cooking time accordingly.
- Swap out the cheese for a sprinkle of queso fresco or chopped cilantro for a fresh twist.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What type of salsa verde works best?
Any store-bought or homemade salsa verde will work well; choose one with a flavor you enjoy, whether mild or spicy.
PrintSalsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken, aromatic rice, and zesty salsa verde, all melted together with a generous topping of cheese. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of savory and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 cup salsa verde (green tomatillo salsa)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Rice and Salsa Verde: Stir the rinsed rice into the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the salsa verde and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Top with Cheese: Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes. Once melted, fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the chicken.
- Use brown rice for a healthier alternative, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes.
- If salsa verde is not available, substitute with green enchilada sauce or a mix of tomatillos and green chilies.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
Keywords: Salsa Verde Chicken, Chicken Rice Skillet, One-Pan Dinner, Quick Mexican Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner
