Flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe

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by teprod

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Imagine the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the comforting scent of chicken simmering in a vibrant green sauce. Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth and flavor. spicy grilled chicken burritos Each bite is a delightful explosion of tangy, zesty goodness that dances on your taste buds, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds). comforting chicken paprikash

This dish isn’t just about great taste; it’s also your best friend during hectic weeknights when you need a meal that’s quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. Picture this: it’s been a long day, you’re exhausted, and the thought of whipping up an elaborate dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest. sweet and sour chicken recipe grilled chicken for a delicious pairing Enter Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet—your delicious savior that guarantees a warm meal in less time than it takes to find your favorite takeout menu.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is not only easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor
  • It’s visually stunning with vibrant colors and makes fantastic leftovers
  • Perfect for busy nights or cozy family dinners, everyone will be asking for seconds

I once made this dish for a family gathering, and my aunt declared it “life-changing.” I think she might have been slightly dramatic, but hey, who am I to argue with enthusiasm over dinner?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Salsa Verde: Store-bought or homemade; choose one with good flavor for maximum impact.

  • Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks perfectly alongside your chicken and absorbs all those tasty flavors.

  • Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth to the dish; low-sodium is ideal.

  • Onion: Sautéed onions provide sweetness and aroma; yellow or white onions work best here.

  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic kick; never skimp on garlic.

  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness; feel free to use parsley if you’re not a fan.

  • Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice at the end brightens all flavors beautifully.

  • Olive Oil: For sautéing your ingredients until they are perfectly golden brown.

  • Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): These spices add warmth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients before starting so you can cook smoothly. Dice the onion and mince the garlic while dreaming about how amazing dinner will be.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in diced onions. Cook until they become translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes—then stir in minced garlic for another minute.

Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Season them generously with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sear each side until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side—because nobody likes bland chicken!

Incorporate the Rice and Broth: Pour in long-grain rice along with chicken broth and salsa verde. Stir well to combine every ingredient evenly. Bring it to a gentle boil before reducing heat.

Simmer Away!: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and has absorbed all that luscious liquid.

Add Final Touches!: Once cooked through, squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and sprinkle chopped cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.

And there you have it! You’ve transformed simple ingredients into a deliciously colorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet that will impress anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner. Enjoy every last bite! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Mexican Birria Tacos recipe.

You Must Know

  • This hearty Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights
  • Its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma can make any home smell like a fiesta
  • Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder—less cleanup means more time to dance around your kitchen!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then remove it and sauté the onions. Add rice, salsa verde, and broth, bringing everything to a simmer before returning the chicken to finish cooking in harmony.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even beans for a vegetarian option. You can spice it up with jalapeños or add black beans for extra texture. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, ensuring it stays juicy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always season your chicken well before searing; it enhances flavor significantly
  • Don’t skip the resting period after cooking; it keeps the chicken moist and delicious
  • Using homemade salsa verde can elevate this dish to new heights!

I remember making this dish for my friends during a game night, and they couldn’t stop raving about how tasty it was. It quickly became our go-to recipe!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.

What if I don’t have salsa verde?

You can substitute with regular salsa or even make your own green sauce using tomatillos.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Print
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Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet


  • Author: Teprod
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Description

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a vibrant one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, zesty salsa verde, and fluffy rice into a comforting dish bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is quick to prepare and guarantees satisfaction with every bite. With its colorful presentation and enticing aroma, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
  2. Season chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and sear until golden brown (4-5 minutes per side).
  3. Stir in rice, salsa verde, and chicken broth; bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Cover and reduce heat; simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Finish with lime juice and cilantro before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use homemade salsa verde. Substitute chicken with turkey or beans for a vegetarian option. Spice it up with jalapeños or add black beans for extra texture.

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