Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy weeknight dinner? Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is the perfect answer. This one-pan meal is not only packed with flavors but also easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy nights when you crave something satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen.
This dish combines tender chicken, savory rice, and the tangy kick of salsa verde, a zesty sauce made from tomatillos and green chilies. If you’re looking to add some variety to your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Let’s dive right into making this easy, flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Directions: How to Make Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. - Cook the Rice
In the same skillet, add 1 cup of rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook the rice for about 15-18 minutes (depending on the type of rice you use) until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. - Add Salsa Verde
Once the rice is cooked, stir in the salsa verde and sour cream. Mix until well combined, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that coats the rice. - Shred the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet with the rice and salsa verde mixture. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. - Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a citrusy kick. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of guacamole or fresh tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Recipe Notes
- Rice Type: If you prefer a healthier option, you can easily substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for the white rice.
- Chicken Variations: You can use rotisserie chicken to save time or even chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Spice Level: If you like your dishes extra spicy, you can add some jalapeños to the salsa verde or sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and use vegan sour cream.
Time & Serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serves: 4
Storage Instructions
This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is perfect for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or heat it through on the stove. It also freezes well—store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight and heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 550mg |
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect
- Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure it gets a nice sear.
- Rice Consistency: For a creamier consistency, add a little more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream when mixing in the salsa verde.
- Cheese Lovers: Add a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend) to make it extra creamy and indulgent.
How to Serve
This dish is already a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it even heartier, serve it with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. For a fun twist, top it with some crunchy tortilla strips or sliced avocado. This vibrant rice skillet goes wonderfully with a tasty Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe for a double dose of flavor.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Lid for skillet (if using to cover rice)
- Cutting board and knife (for chopping cilantro and lime)
Health Benefits of Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet
This dish provides a healthy dose of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The salsa verde offers a boost of vitamin C from the tomatillos, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Cilantro adds antioxidants and fiber, which aids in digestion.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prepping!
2. Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for turkey, beef, or even vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
3. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add jalapeños to the salsa or sprinkle some cayenne pepper to spice things up to your liking.
4. Can I freeze this meal?
Yes, this meal freezes well for up to 1 month. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.
5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream.
Final Thoughts
The Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a perfect dinner option that combines delicious flavors, a creamy texture, and loads of nutrients—all in one easy-to-make, one-pan dish. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The vibrant flavors of salsa verde, paired with tender chicken and fluffy rice, create a satisfying meal everyone will love. Give it a try, and you’ll see how quickly it becomes part of your regular dinner rotation!
