Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet Tasty and Easy Meal

October 20, 2025March 18, 2025 by Isabella

Looking to whip up a quick, tasty meal? Try my Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet! This one-pan dish is packed with flavor and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and salsa verde, you’ll create a hearty meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

Why I Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is made in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of salsa verde and spices brings a burst of flavor that can easily be adjusted to your taste.
Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of around 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and Satisfying: This dish is packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains, making it a nutritious meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

– 1 cup white rice

– 1 cup salsa verde

Additional Ingredients

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 medium onion, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced

Seasoning and Garnishing

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)

– ½ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

– Lime wedges (for serving)

In this dish, I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy. The white rice acts as a base and soaks up all the flavors. Salsa verde brings a tangy kick that brightens the meal.

For the additional ingredients, I choose chicken broth to add depth and flavor. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a tasty aroma and add sweetness.

I season the dish with cumin and smoked paprika for warmth. A bit of salt and pepper balances everything. I also throw in corn for sweetness and color. Finally, cilantro and lime give the dish a fresh finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Skillet

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to smell that garlic! Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the diced chicken thighs to the other side. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Combining Ingredients

After the chicken is cooked, stir everything together in the skillet. Now it’s time to add the rice, chicken broth, and salsa verde. Mix it well, and bring this to a boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and soak up all the tasty flavors. If you’re using frozen corn, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Final Touches

Once the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork. This helps it stay light and airy. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh zing that enhances the dish. Enjoy every bite!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Techniques

– Best practices for sautéing chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Use olive oil to prevent sticking. Cut chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lets the chicken brown well. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

– Tips for perfectly cooked rice: Rinse your rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps it cook better. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice for fluffy results. Once it boils, cover and reduce heat right away. Let it simmer without lifting the lid.

Ingredient Substitutions

– Alternatives for chicken and rice: You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, or even turkey. If you want a grain-free option, try cauliflower rice. Quinoa also works well as a healthy substitute for rice.

– How to adjust spice levels: To tone down spice, use mild salsa verde. You can add more sour cream as a topping. For a kick, add jalapeños or chili powder. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

Enhancing Flavor

– Suggestions for additional spices or toppings: Add more depth with garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh lime juice brightens flavors. Top with avocado slices or crumbled cheese for creaminess. For crunch, sprinkle tortilla chips on top just before serving.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They provide a vibrant flavor that enhances the overall dish.
Cook Rice Perfectly: To ensure your rice is fluffy and not sticky, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
Customize Spice Level: Adjust the heat of your salsa verde by choosing a mild or spicy version, or add jalapeños for an extra kick.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the rice to firm up.

Variations

Protein Swap Options

You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want shrimp, use about a pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them in the skillet until pink. This swap adds a sweet flavor.

For a veggie option, use a mix of your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them like you do the chicken. This option makes the dish light and fresh.

Flavor Profiles

Salsa verde is a great base, but you can try different flavors. Use green salsa or red salsa to change the taste. Each adds its unique twist to the dish.

Adding beans can boost protein and texture. Black beans or pinto beans blend well with the rice. They also make the dish heartier and more filling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips. This adds crunch and balance to the meal.

You can also create burrito bowls. Just layer the rice, chicken, and salsa in a bowl. Top with cheese, avocado, or sour cream. Another idea is to make tacos. Use small tortillas and fill them with the skillet mix. This makes for a fun, interactive meal!

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. This keeps your Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet fresh.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze portions for future meals. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Divide the dish into single servings. This makes it easy to grab a meal later. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Store smart and enjoy your meals longer!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prepare, follow the recipe and cook as directed. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through for the best results.

What can I use instead of chicken thighs?

If you want a change, you can use chicken breasts instead. They cook faster but may be less juicy. For a lighter option, try turkey breast. If you prefer plant-based, use firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and sautéed. You can also use beans for protein, like black beans or chickpeas. These options fit different diets while keeping the dish tasty.

How spicy is salsa verde?

Salsa verde can vary in heat. Some brands are mild, while others are spicy. It mainly uses tomatillos and green chilies. If you like heat, choose a spicier salsa. If you prefer milder flavors, look for a mild version or make your own. You can adjust the spice by adding less salsa verde to your dish. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without too much heat.

This blog post covered an easy, tasty chicken dish. We explored the main ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and salsa verde. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it right. You learned helpful tips for sautéing and flavoring your meals. We also discussed storage and how to make variations.

Cooking at home can be simple and fun. Try this dish, and enjoy the flavor

$- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 1 cup white rice - 1 cup salsa verde - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - ½ cup cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) In this dish, I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy. The white rice acts as a base and soaks up all the flavors. Salsa verde brings a tangy kick that brightens the meal. For the additional ingredients, I choose chicken broth to add depth and flavor. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a tasty aroma and add sweetness. I season the dish with cumin and smoked paprika for warmth. A bit of salt and pepper balances everything. I also throw in corn for sweetness and color. Finally, cilantro and lime give the dish a fresh finish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the chopped onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté these veggies until they soften, about 5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to smell that garlic! Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet. Add the diced chicken thighs to the other side. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken turns white and is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. After the chicken is cooked, stir everything together in the skillet. Now it's time to add the rice, chicken broth, and salsa verde. Mix it well, and bring this to a boil. Once it bubbles, lower the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook and soak up all the tasty flavors. If you’re using frozen corn, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once the rice is tender, fluff it with a fork. This helps it stay light and airy. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a fresh zing that enhances the dish. Enjoy every bite! - Best practices for sautéing chicken: Start with a hot skillet. Use olive oil to prevent sticking. Cut chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this lets the chicken brown well. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. - Tips for perfectly cooked rice: Rinse your rice before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps it cook better. Use a 2:1 ratio of broth to rice for fluffy results. Once it boils, cover and reduce heat right away. Let it simmer without lifting the lid. - Alternatives for chicken and rice: You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts, or even turkey. If you want a grain-free option, try cauliflower rice. Quinoa also works well as a healthy substitute for rice. - How to adjust spice levels: To tone down spice, use mild salsa verde. You can add more sour cream as a topping. For a kick, add jalapeños or chili powder. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. - Suggestions for additional spices or toppings: Add more depth with garlic powder or onion powder. Fresh lime juice brightens flavors. Top with avocado slices or crumbled cheese for creaminess. For crunch, sprinkle tortilla chips on top just before serving. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They provide a vibrant flavor that enhances the overall dish. Cook Rice Perfectly: To ensure your rice is fluffy and not sticky, rinse it under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. Customize Spice Level: Adjust the heat of your salsa verde by choosing a mild or spicy version, or add jalapeños for an extra kick. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the skillet sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the rice to firm up. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. If you want shrimp, use about a pound of peeled shrimp. Cook them in the skillet until pink. This swap adds a sweet flavor. For a veggie option, use a mix of your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well. Just sauté them like you do the chicken. This option makes the dish light and fresh. Salsa verde is a great base, but you can try different flavors. Use green salsa or red salsa to change the taste. Each adds its unique twist to the dish. Adding beans can boost protein and texture. Black beans or pinto beans blend well with the rice. They also make the dish heartier and more filling. Pair this dish with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips. This adds crunch and balance to the meal. You can also create burrito bowls. Just layer the rice, chicken, and salsa in a bowl. Top with cheese, avocado, or sour cream. Another idea is to make tacos. Use small tortillas and fill them with the skillet mix. This makes for a fun, interactive meal! To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal the lid tightly. This keeps your Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Skillet fresh. You can freeze portions for future meals. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Divide the dish into single servings. This makes it easy to grab a meal later. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. In the fridge, your dish lasts about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. Store smart and enjoy your meals longer! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. To prepare, follow the recipe and cook as directed. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but stir halfway through for the best results. If you want a change, you can use chicken breasts instead. They cook faster but may be less juicy. For a lighter option, try turkey breast. If you prefer plant-based, use firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and sautéed. You can also use beans for protein, like black beans or chickpeas. These options fit different diets while keeping the dish tasty. Salsa verde can vary in heat. Some brands are mild, while others are spicy. It mainly uses tomatillos and green chilies. If you like heat, choose a spicier salsa. If you prefer milder flavors, look for a mild version or make your own. You can adjust the spice by adding less salsa verde to your dish. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without too much heat. This blog post covered an easy, tasty chicken dish. We explored the main ingredients like chicken thighs, rice, and salsa verde. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it right. You learned helpful tips for sautéing and flavoring your meals. We also discussed storage and how to make variations. Cooking at home can be simple and fun. Try this dish, and enjoy the flavors!$