Flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken Rice - 35 Min

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Salsa Verde Chicken Rice has become my absolute go-to for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. I remember the first time I made this one-pan Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet; the aroma of sautéed onions, garlic, and zesty salsa verde filled my kitchen, making my stomach rumble in anticipation. The chicken came out so incredibly juicy, and the rice was perfectly fluffy, soaking up all those delicious green salsa flavors. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, bringing vibrant Mexican-inspired tastes right to your table with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

One-pan wonder: Seriously, everything cooks together in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup for you!
Flavor explosion: The zesty salsa verde, savory chicken, and fluffy rice create a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Quick and easy: This green salsa chicken rice recipe comes together in about 35 minutes total.
Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add extra veggies like corn or black beans.
Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters usually love this mild, flavorful dish.
Meal prep friendly: It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches.
Satisfying meal: A complete dinner with protein, carbs, and veggies all in one bowl.

Ingredients for Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Gathering the ingredients for this flavorful chicken and salsa verde with rice is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in creating this delicious meal.

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 yellow onion, diced – provides a sweet base
2 cloves garlic, minced – adds that essential pungent kick
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces – choose your favorite cut for this easy Mexican chicken and rice
1 teaspoon cumin – for a warm, earthy depth
Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked – the fluffy base that soaks up all the goodness
2 cups chicken broth – provides moisture and savory flavor for the rice
1.5 cups jarred salsa verde – the star ingredient, bringing a zesty, tangy flavor
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese – for that melty, gooey topping
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – adds a burst of freshness
Lime wedges (optional, for serving) – for a final squeeze of bright acidity

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Crafting this delicious one-pan Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet is incredibly straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this flavorful meal comes together with minimal effort!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grab a large, oven-safe skillet.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it starts to soften and become translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 4: Introduce the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them generously with 1 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned on all sides.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Make sure every grain gets coated in the delicious drippings from the chicken and onions – this step really builds flavor for your green salsa chicken rice.
Step 6: Pour in the 2 cups chicken broth and the 1.5 cups jarred salsa verde. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 7: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 8: Uncover the skillet and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of your Salsa Verde Chicken Rice.
Step 9: Cover the skillet again for a few more minutes, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious blanket.
Step 10: Garnish your masterpiece with 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro and serve immediately with optional lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your easy Mexican Salsa Verde Chicken Rice!

Pro Tips for the Best Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Want to elevate your Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make this dish consistently delicious.

For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook it before adding the liquids. A light browning is all you need.
Use a good quality jarred salsa verde; it really is the star flavor here, so pick one you love!
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after the cheese melts. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to become even fluffier.
Don’t be afraid to add a pinch of chili powder or a diced jalapeño if you like a bit more heat in your green salsa chicken rice.

What’s the secret to perfect Salsa Verde Chicken Rice?

The secret to truly perfect Salsa Verde Chicken Rice lies in using the chicken drippings and onion/garlic sauté for flavor, and making sure your rice is well-coated before adding liquid. This ensures every grain absorbs that delicious salsa verde goodness. For more tips on building flavor in your dishes, check out this guide on flavor layering.

Can I make Salsa Verde Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare the components of this Salsa Verde Chicken Rice ahead of time. Cook the chicken and aromatics, then store them separately. When ready to cook, combine everything in the skillet and proceed with adding the rice and liquids.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Salsa Verde Chicken Rice?

A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken initially, which can make it tough. Another mistake is not letting the rice cook undisturbed under the lid; this ensures even cooking and proper absorption of the salsa verde. Also, don’t skip resting the dish before serving!

Best Ways to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

This vibrant Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions to make your dinner even more special. I love serving it straight from the skillet, letting everyone dig in!

For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of crisp shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette is also a fantastic complement to the zesty flavors of the chicken and salsa verde with rice.
Don’t forget those lime wedges! A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating really brightens up all the flavors in this easy Mexican chicken and rice dish.

Nutrition Facts for Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

When enjoying this flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken Rice, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving. Remember, these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients, especially the salsa verde and chicken cut you choose. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide.

Calories: Approximately 450-550
Fat: Approximately 15-25g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-10g
Protein: Approximately 30-40g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
Sugar: Varies based on salsa verde
Sodium: Varies based on salsa verde and broth

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Properly storing and reheating your delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Rice ensures you can enjoy leftovers just as much as the first time. Once your chicken verde rice casserole has cooled down slightly, transfer it into airtight containers. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from transferring. You can confidently store leftovers in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your make-ahead easy salsa verde chicken rice, the best reheating method is on the stovetop. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if it seems dry, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on a lower power setting for a quick reheat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Is this recipe truly a quick Salsa Verde Chicken Rice?

Absolutely! This green salsa chicken rice recipe is designed for speed. With prep taking only about 10 minutes and cook time around 25 minutes, you’re looking at a complete, flavorful meal in under 40 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast. For more quick meal ideas, explore our collection of quick recipes.

Can I use a different type of rice for this Salsa Verde Chicken Rice?

While long-grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and quick cooking time, you can experiment. Brown rice or even quinoa will work, but be aware they will require longer cooking times and potentially more liquid. For the quickest and easiest Salsa Verde Chicken Rice, stick with white rice.

What if my Salsa Verde Chicken Rice is too liquidy?

If after the simmering time your one-pan Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet still has too much liquid, simply remove the lid and continue to cook over low heat for a few more minutes. This will allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate, thickening the sauce and ensuring your rice is perfectly cooked.

Can I add other vegetables to this Mexican Salsa Verde Chicken Rice?

Definitely! This dish is very forgiving and a great way to sneak in extra veggies. I often add a cup of frozen corn or black beans during the last 10 minutes of simmering. Diced bell peppers or zucchini sautéed with the onions are also delicious additions to this easy Mexican chicken and rice.

Variations of Salsa Verde Chicken Rice You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet, you might want to switch things up! I love experimenting with this dish to keep things exciting. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, try using a spicier jarred salsa verde or add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions and garlic. This transforms your green salsa chicken rice into a fiery delight.
Creamy & Cheesy Bake: Want to turn this into a comforting casserole? After cooking the rice and chicken mixture, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and maybe some crushed tortilla chips, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly. It’s a delicious twist on the classic Salsa Verde chicken and rice bake.
Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this a vegetarian meal by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or black beans. Sauté the tofu until golden or add the beans with the rice, and you’ll have a fantastic meatless version of Salsa Verde Chicken Rice.
Slow Cooker Magic: For an even easier approach, combine all ingredients (except the cheese and cilantro garnish) in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Stir in cheese at the end. This makes for a wonderfully hands-off Salsa Verde shredded chicken rice.