There’s something magical about the vibrant colors and zesty aromas of Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet. Imagine a plate piled high with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a dazzling green salsa that dances on your taste buds. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this main dish recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made this delightful dish. My family gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation, as the tantalizing aroma wafted through the house. It quickly became our go-to meal for celebrations and everyday dinners alike! For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This quick one-pan wonder simplifies dinner prep while delivering bold flavors
- The bright green salsa adds a fresh twist that will impress anyone at your table
- It’s visually stunning, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate
- Enjoy it any night of the week or serve it at gatherings for a crowd-pleasing hit
I once had my friends over for dinner, and they were convinced I had spent all day preparing this masterpiece. Little did they know it was just a 30-minute wonder!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well but adjust based on your crowd size.
Long-Grain White Rice: Use this rice for its fluffy texture; brown rice can also work but may require extra cooking time.
Salsa Verde: Store-bought or homemade, this green sauce packs a punch of flavor and freshness.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor.
Olive Oil: A splash helps sear the chicken perfectly; feel free to substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens up the dish, adding freshness and color.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice adds zing; use fresh limes for the best flavor.
Garlic Powder: A dash infuses an aromatic depth; fresh garlic can also be used if you prefer.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors in your skillet dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before placing them in the pan. Sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes each side—and ensure they are cooked through.
Cook Your Rice
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add rice along with chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Lower heat to medium-low, cover tightly with a lid, and cook until rice absorbs most of the liquid—about 15-20 minutes.
Combine Ingredients
Once rice is cooked, stir in salsa verde and return chicken to the skillet. Gently fold in chopped cilantro while squeezing fresh lime juice over everything for added brightness.
Final Touches
Cook for an additional 5 minutes on medium heat to allow flavors to meld together beautifully. Stir occasionally until everything is heated through and aromatic—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Serve It Up!
Plate generous portions of Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet onto bowls or plates. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired, grab your forks, and get ready to dive into this delightful creation!
And there you have it! A simple yet flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite as you relish both its taste and ease!
You Must Know
- This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that combines simplicity and flavors
- The vibrant green salsa adds freshness, while tender chicken and fluffy rice create a comforting dish
- Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then add the rice and salsa together. This sequence ensures the chicken remains juicy while the rice absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add black beans or corn for additional texture and flavor, making it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, ensuring nothing dries out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking chicken, ensure it’s fully thawed for even cooking
- Use low-sodium salsa verde to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning as needed
- Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro for extra zest and freshness!
Cooking this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone devours it in silence—except for the occasional “Mmm!” and “This is so good!” It’s a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in this skillet?
You can use shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian option.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat level!
Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty salsa verde in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this meal is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor. The bright green salsa adds a fresh twist that will impress your family and friends. Dive into this delightful creation that’s sure to become a staple in your household!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add rice and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Cover tightly with a lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs most of the liquid.
- Stir in salsa verde and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over everything.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes on medium heat until heated through and aromatic. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. - Add black beans or corn for extra texture. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.