30-Minute Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you’re searching for the ultimate combination of easy prep and vibrant flavor, this Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is your answer. It’s the absolute definition of a knight dinner and made with a few simple ingredients; each bite delivers zesty brightness from salsa verde, comforting richness from Monterey jack cheese, and a satisfying heartiness from tender chicken and rice. This one-pan Mexican-inspired dish is your new go-to for effortless weeknights, guaranteed crowd-pleasers, and moments when you want a homecooked meal without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this skillet is refreshingly short, but every component is essential to building up amazing flavor and texture. Each item has a starring role, making this the kind of knight dinner and made with a few simple fixes you’ll return to over and over again.

• Shredded rotisserie chicken: A speedy way to add juicy, savory protein that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
• Yellow onion: The starting point for any good skillet, adding a base of sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: For aromatic, mouthwatering notes that set the stage for everything to come.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures your aromatics sauté perfectly and brings a little healthy fat.
• Salsa verde: The hero sauce with bold tomatillo tang; it makes every spoonful sing.
• Diced green chiles: Tiny and mild, but big on smoky, spicy flavor.
• White long grain rice: Absorbs all the savory liquid, turning tender and aromatic.
• Chicken broth: Adds fullness to your rice while building up classic, comforting flavor.
• Shredded Monterey jack cheese: For a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth blanket over the entire pan.
• Black beans: Rinsed and drained, these up the protein and fiber while adding creamy bite.
• Roasted corn: A little smoky sweetness that pops in every mouthful.
• Chili powder: Warms up the rice with a gentle heat and earthy spice.
• Sea salt: Just enough to sharpen every other flavor.
• Cumin: Adds depth and that signature Mexican skillet aroma.
• Garlic powder: Doubles down on the garlicky goodness.
• Black pepper: Just a dash to brighten the whole dish.
• Cilantro: An herbal, citrusy finish that feels fresh and lively.
• Optional toppings (avocado, red pepper flakes): Creamy or spicy, both make fabulous finishing touches!

How to Make knight dinner and made with a few simple

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add your diced yellow onion and minced garlic, letting them sizzle while the kitchen fills with that irresistible savory aroma. This first layer is crucial; it’s the flavor foundation for your knight dinner and made with a few simple moves.

Step 2: Season the Base

In a small bowl, combine all your spices: chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper. Sprinkle them into the pan and stir, toasting slightly with the onion and garlic until everything’s deeply fragrant. Spices need this short time in the heat to bloom and intensify.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

Now for the magic: tip in the shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans (rinsed and drained), roasted corn, diced green chiles, salsa verde, chicken broth, and rice directly into the skillet. Give it a really good stir so the rice and beans are evenly tiled through the liquid and every bite gets a bit of everything.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your skillet mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Place the lid on and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is soft and has absorbed nearly all of the liquid. Take a peek and stir once or twice to ensure nothing is sticking. If you need a bit more time for the rice, just keep simmering in short increments.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

Turn off the heat and immediately sprinkle Monterey jack cheese over the top. Return the lid and wait a couple of minutes: the residual heat turns the cheese melty and creates that irresistible topping every knight dinner and made with a few simple should have.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is gooey and luscious, sprinkle with chopped cilantro. If you’d like, add avocado slices and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Now, dig in while it’s bubbling hot and impossibly tempting!

How to Serve knight dinner and made with a few simple

Garnishes

This dish loves a good flourish! Scatter fresh cilantro across the top and add creamy avocado slices for a cool contrast to the bright, tangy skillet. Red pepper flakes sprinkle just the right zing, and if you’re feeling extra, a squeeze of lime can’t hurt. These toppings make every knight dinner and made with a few simple servings feel fresh and special.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this as a centerpiece, keep it simple — crispy tortilla chips for scooping, a quick green salad, or a side of sautéed peppers all work wonders. Refried beans or a charred corn salad can elevate your table without overwhelming this skillet’s bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

To up the wow factor, try serving portions in individual mini-skillets or wide bowls. Top each with its own avocado rose or dollop of sour cream. For a fun gathering, set up a “skillet bar” with bowls of optional toppings like pickled jalapeños, cotija cheese, or crunchy tortilla strips, so everyone can personalize their knight dinner and made with a few simple.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover your skillet or transfer the remainder to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days — and honestly, the flavors get even deeper overnight, making it the knight dinner and made with a few simple you can enjoy again and again.

Freezing

This skillet is ideal for freezing! Let it cool completely, then scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your portions gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Top with a little fresh cheese or cilantro to revive its flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Absolutely. While long grain white rice cooks up fluffy and tender, you could swap in basmati or even brown rice (just adjust the simmering time and add more liquid as needed).

Is this recipe spicy?

This skillet is mild to medium, thanks to the salsa verde and chiles, but you can always increase the heat by adding spicier green chiles or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

How can I make this vegetarian?

Just leave out the chicken and double up on black beans or add canned chickpeas! Swap in vegetable broth to keep the dish meat-free but still incredibly satisfying.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Very easily! Omit the cheese or use a favorite plant-based alternative — the other flavors shine just as brightly without it.

What kind of salsa verde is best?

Use your favorite store-bought brand, or if you have homemade salsa verde on hand, even better! Just be sure to taste as you go, as some brands run spicier or tangier than others.

Final Thoughts

This salsa verde chicken & rice skillet is the knight dinner and made with a few simple steps that’s always ready to fit your schedule, your family’s tastes, and your craving for big flavor with minimal cleanup. Go ahead, give it a try — your table (and your weeknights) will thank you!

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