Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet: A Vibrant, Easy One-Pan Mexican Dinner

When it comes to weeknight dinners that combine bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and quick preparation, few recipes deliver quite like this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. This dish is a celebration of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, melding tender shredded chicken, tangy salsa verde, creamy melted cheese, and hearty rice with black beans and roasted corn all cooked together in a single skillet.

If you’re pressed for time but don’t want to sacrifice taste or nutrition, this recipe is an absolute winner. Using rotisserie chicken makes the cooking process lightning-fast, and the skillet method ensures the ingredients meld beautifully without excess cleanup. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can adapt it to your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make this dish perfectly from ingredient insights and detailed cooking steps to tips, variations, serving ideas, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

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

• Quick and easy: From start to finish in under 45 minutes, including prep.
• One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup and fuss.
• Nutritious: Balanced protein, fiber, and complex carbs.
• Flavor-packed: The salsa verde adds brightness, heat, and acidity.
• Family-friendly: Mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust heat levels.
• Versatile: Swap ingredients or toppings based on preference or availability.

Ingredients Breakdown

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (2 cups)

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken means no raw chicken prep or long cooking times. It adds juicy protein that soaks up the salsa verde flavors beautifully.

Yellow Onion (1 cup, diced) & Garlic (3 cloves, minced)

Sautéed onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation of the dish, delivering rich flavor and depth.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

This healthy fat adds richness and helps soften the aromatics without overpowering them.

Salsa Verde (15.5 oz)

Made from tomatillos, chili peppers, and herbs, salsa verde brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the skillet. It keeps the rice moist and infuses the chicken with vibrant Mexican flavor.

Diced Green Chiles (4 oz can)

Adds mild heat and enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.

White Long Grain Rice (1 cup) & Chicken Broth (2 cups)

The rice absorbs the flavorful broth and salsa verde while cooking, creating a tender, fluffy base.

Monterey Jack Cheese (1 cup, shredded)

Creamy, mild cheese that melts perfectly, adding richness and binding the dish together.

Black Beans (1 can, rinsed and drained) & Roasted Corn (½ cup)

Beans add fiber and protein, while corn adds sweetness and texture—both contribute to the hearty, balanced nature of the meal.

Spices: Chili Powder (1 tsp), Sea Salt (1 tsp), Cumin (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (½ tsp), Black Pepper (dash)

These spices round out the flavor, giving the dish warmth and seasoning.

Cilantro (3 tbsp, chopped)

Fresh cilantro at the end adds herbal brightness and a beautiful pop of green.

Optional Toppings: Avocado, Red Pepper Flakes

Avocado adds creaminess and richness, while red pepper flakes bring extra heat for those who like it spicy.

Detailed Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft—about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Add the salsa verde and diced green chiles to the skillet. Stir to combine. Then, add the chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir again and let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Stir the white rice into the skillet, coating it well in the salsa mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Simmer the Rice

Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes to absorb the liquid and cook through.

Step 5: Add Chicken, Beans, and Corn

After the rice is tender, gently fold in the shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, and roasted corn. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring everything is warmed through and well incorporated.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the skillet contents. Cover once more and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and is gooey.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Cilantro

Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and gently fold it in.

Step 8: Serve with Optional Toppings

Dish out the skillet meal into bowls or plates. Add slices of creamy avocado and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Your Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

• Use a tight-fitting lid: To keep steam in, allowing the rice to cook properly.
• Don’t stir the rice while simmering: This prevents mushiness and helps cook the grains evenly.
• Drain and rinse beans: To avoid excess starch and reduce sodium.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Depending on your salsa verde’s saltiness or spiciness.
• Make it creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.
• Add crunch: Toasted pepitas or tortilla strips on top add texture.

Variations to Explore

• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber (adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly).
• Add bell peppers or zucchini: Sauté these with onions for extra veggies.
• Use fresh grilled chicken: Instead of rotisserie, for a smoky depth.
• Increase heat: Add chopped jalapeños or more chili powder for spice lovers.
• Try different cheeses: Pepper jack, cheddar, or queso fresco are great alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dish is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

• Warm corn or flour tortillas for scooping.
• A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to balance richness.
• Mexican street corn (elote) for an indulgent side.
• Pickled red onions or sliced radishes for acidity and crunch.

Storage and Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
• This recipe also freezes well; portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes! Cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs, then add them in Step 5.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s moderately mild but flavorful. Adjust by adding more or fewer green chiles, chili powder, or red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or extra beans. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cheese alternative.

What’s the best salsa verde to use?

Store-bought tomatillo salsa verde works well, but homemade salsa verde will add fresher, brighter flavor if you have time.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is not only tasty but also nourishing:

• High in protein: Chicken and beans provide sustained energy.
• Fiber-rich: Beans and corn aid digestion and keep you full longer.
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants: From fresh cilantro, garlic, and tomatillo-based salsa verde.
• Balanced macros: Carbs from rice, protein, and healthy fats from olive oil and cheese.

Final Thoughts

The Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a perfect example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together for a wholesome, crave-worthy meal. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, but flavorful enough to feel special.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this skillet delivers a satisfying, colorful, and balanced dinner. The bright, tangy salsa verde combined with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty beans makes it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

So gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a delicious slice of Mexican-inspired comfort food easy, vibrant, and utterly delicious.

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