Amazing Salsa Verde Chicken Rice: 1-Pan Wonder

Salsa Verde Chicken Rice has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight lifesaver. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was a bit nervous about balancing the flavors, but the result was incredible! The vibrant green salsa melds perfectly with tender chicken and fluffy rice, filling my kitchen with the most amazing aroma. This easy salsa verde chicken and rice comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious and satisfying. It’s seriously a game-changer for salsa verde chicken rice for dinner. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

• Incredible flavor explosion with every bite!
• Lightning-fast prep time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• A healthy and balanced meal option.
• Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
• Family-approved, making it a hit with picky eaters too.
• Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a satisfying green salsa chicken rice bowl.
• This green salsa chicken rice bowl is packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients.
• It’s a truly delicious and easy meal solution.

Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Ingredients

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to an amazing meal. Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken Rice:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced – I like to cut these into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken and veggies.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds a foundational savory note.
• 1 tsp cumin – Brings warmth and earthy depth.
• 1 tsp paprika – For a touch of color and mild sweetness.
• ½ tsp sea salt – To enhance all the other flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
• 1 cup cooked brown rice – I usually make this ahead of time, but leftover rice works perfectly too.
• 1 cup salsa verde – This is the star! Choose your favorite mild or spicy store-bought or homemade version.
• ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy finish.
• ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed – For added protein and texture.
• ½ cup canned corn, drained – A little sweetness to balance the salsa verde.
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped – Adds a fresh crunch and mild sweetness.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – For a burst of freshness at the end.
• Juice of ½ lime – Brightens everything up.

How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

This salsa verde chicken rice skillet recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for even beginner cooks. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this flavorful dish comes together!

1. Step 1: Get your skillet ready! Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced. Season the chicken generously with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 6–8 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s no longer pink inside and the savory aroma fills your kitchen.
2. Step 2: Time to add some veggies! Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed, ½ cup canned corn, drained, and the 1 small red bell pepper, chopped. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the red bell pepper to start softening slightly, releasing its sweet fragrance, but still retain a bit of crispness.
3. Step 3: Bring on the flavor! Now, add the 1 cup cooked brown rice to the skillet. Pour in the 1 cup salsa verde. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure the salsa verde evenly coats every piece of chicken, rice, and vegetables. This is a key part of how to make salsa verde chicken rice delicious. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors begin to meld beautifully.
4. Step 4: Get cheesy! Sprinkle the ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for another 1–2 minutes, or just until the cheese is completely melted and gooey. The sight of that melted cheese is always a good sign!
5. Step 5: Finish and serve! Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh juice of ½ lime over the top. This really brightens everything up. Sprinkle with the ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous finish. This is how you master the best salsa verde chicken with rice. Serve your salsa verde chicken rice hot, adding any of your favorite optional toppings like avocado or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy this delightful meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these simple tricks for the ultimate salsa verde chicken and rice:

• For the best salsa verde chicken with rice, don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.
• Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of hot sauce is all it needs.
• If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add an extra splash of salsa verde or a little chicken broth.
• Pre-cook your rice and dice your chicken ahead of time to make this a true 15-minute wonder.

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

The magic lies in the quality of your salsa verde; a vibrant, flavorful one makes all the difference. For an authentic salsa verde chicken rice experience, look for one with fresh cilantro and a good balance of heat and tang. You can learn more about the benefits of fresh ingredients here.

Can I make Salsa Verde Chicken Rice ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients (dice chicken, chop veggies, cook rice) up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, it’s just a quick sauté to bring it all together. For more information on food preparation and safety, consult our policies.

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

Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Also, don’t skip the lime juice at the end; it brightens all the flavors. Ensure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet. For more cooking tips, check out our latest recipes.

Best Ways to Serve Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

This versatile salsa verde chicken rice skillet is fantastic on its own, but I love to dress it up with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, serve it in a bowl topped with a dollop of cool Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the tanginess of the salsa. You can also add some diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats. If you’re craving a bit more heat, consider pairing this with some spicy salsa verde chicken rice by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a side of your favorite hot sauce. It’s also delicious with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for scooping! For more serving suggestions, visit our homepage.

Delicious Variations of Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

This base recipe is fantastic, but I love tweaking it to keep things exciting! Here are a few ways to mix up your salsa verde chicken rice:

• Healthy Salsa Verde Chicken Rice: For a lighter take, swap the brown rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa. You can also load it up with extra non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
• Creamy Salsa Verde Chicken Rice: To achieve that decadent, creamy salsa verde chicken rice texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the salsa verde. It makes it extra luscious!
• Shredded Salsa Verde Chicken Rice: Instead of dicing chicken breasts, use thighs or a rotisserie chicken. Cook the thighs until tender, then shred them right in the skillet. This creates a wonderfully tender shredded salsa verde chicken rice that’s incredibly satisfying.
• One-Pan Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Bake: For an oven-baked version, combine all the ingredients (except cheese and toppings) in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salsa Verde Chicken Rice

What is salsa verde chicken rice?

Salsa verde chicken rice is a flavorful and convenient one-pan meal where tender pieces of chicken and fluffy rice are simmered in a vibrant green salsa. It’s a popular dish known for its zesty flavor profile, often incorporating ingredients like corn, beans, and bell peppers, making it a complete and satisfying meal. For more information on our data handling, please review our GDPR policy.

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While brown rice is a great healthy option, you can easily substitute it with white rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for a different texture and nutritional boost. Just ensure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the skillet to avoid a mushy consistency. You can find our terms of use here.

How do I make this a spicy salsa verde chicken rice?

To amp up the heat for a spicy salsa verde chicken rice, you have a few options! You can choose a spicier salsa verde, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when sautéing the chicken, or stir in some finely chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end also works wonders! If you need to contact us with further questions, please use our contact form.

Can I make this as a Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be a fantastic salsa verde chicken rice skillet meal! The instructions guide you through cooking everything directly in one skillet on the stovetop, minimizing cleanup. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner for that very reason.

Amazing Salsa Verde Chicken Rice: 1-Pan Wonder

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

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Description

A vibrant and satisfying one-pan meal featuring chicken and rice cooked with flavorful salsa verde, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup salsa verde
• ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• ½ cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup canned corn, drained
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of ½ lime
• Optional toppings: diced avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, extra cheese, tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, stir in chopped red bell pepper, black beans, and corn. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the bell pepper begins to soften and the mixture is heated through.
3. Add the cooked brown rice to the skillet, followed by the salsa verde. Stir everything together, ensuring the salsa evenly coats all ingredients. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the skillet and cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.
5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and add any optional toppings. Serve warm.

Notes

• This recipe is ideal for meal prep.
• It stores well and can be customized with your favorite salsa verde.
• You can bulk it up with extra beans or vegetables.
• For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and leftover rice.
• Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.
• For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture or low-carb version.
• Let the skillet cool before sealing in containers to avoid excess moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximate)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 32g

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