Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

Why Make This Recipe

This Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet is a dish that brings comfort and flavor right to your kitchen table. It is not only tasty but also very easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The blend of shredded rotisserie chicken, rice, black beans, and salsa verde creates a delicious and hearty meal. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and provides a juicy base for this dish. Plus, the vibrant green of salsa verde gives it a beautiful color and a zesty flavor that your family will love.

Using one skillet to make this meal means less cleanup afterward, which is always a bonus. This dish is also versatile. You can adjust the toppings to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. You can easily make it spicier or milder, depending on your family’s preference. Most importantly, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering, and you will surely impress your guests with its flavors.

How to Make Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

Making this Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet is straightforward and does not require any complicated techniques. Anyone from beginners to experienced cooks can prepare this dish in a little over 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the steps.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare this meal:

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 15.5 oz salsa verde
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 cup white long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup roasted corn
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Dash of black pepper
• 3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Heat Olive Oil: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to hold all the ingredients.

2. Cook Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until the onions become soft and transparent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Prepare Spice Mix: While the onions are cooking, mix chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl. This spice mix will add depth to your dish.

4. Add Main Ingredients: Add the black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and the white long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors and ensure the rice is evenly distributed.

5. Bring to a Boil: Turn the heat up and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.

6. Check Rice: After 15 minutes, check the rice. If it is not cooked through, continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes. You want the rice to absorb all the liquid.

7. Melt Cheese: When the rice is cooked and the mixture looks creamy, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top. Cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

8. Garnish: Once the cheese has melted, uncover the skillet. Garnish the dish with chopped cilantro and any optional toppings like avocado or red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

How to Serve Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

This flavorful dish is perfect on its own or served with a side salad to add freshness. You can serve it straight from the skillet for a family-style meal or plate it individually. If you want to brighten the dish, add some avocado slices on top for creaminess and a splash of color. You can also provide lime wedges for squeezing over the top, enhancing the flavors further. This dish can serve as a filling main course.

How to Store Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will last for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Heat it up in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.

If you wish to store the dish for a longer time, consider freezing it. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it as described above.

Tips to Make Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

1. Use Different Proteins: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use cooked, shredded turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. Experiment with Rice: If you prefer brown rice for added health benefits, you will need to adjust the cooking time and use more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

3. Customize Spice Levels: If you like spicy food, consider adding jalapeños or increasing the amount of chili powder. For a milder dish, reduce or leave out the green chiles.

4. Add Veggies: You can sneak in more vegetables for added nutrition. Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the mix.

5. Fresh Herbs: While cilantro adds great flavor, feel free to substitute with parsley or green onions if cilantro is not available or not your favorite herb.

Variations

This Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet is versatile. You can easily change it up for a new twist. Here are some variations:

• Mexican Style: Add some diced tomatoes or corn salsa for extra flavor.
• Cheesy Version: Use a blend of different cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack for a cheesier dish.
• Curry Twist: Substitute salsa verde with coconut milk and add curry powder for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can. Just ensure to cook the chicken fully before adding the rice, which may require adding the chicken earlier in the cooking process.

How long does this dish take to prepare?

The total time for preparation and cooking is about 30-35 minutes, making it an excellent option for a quick meal.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it. Just store it properly in the fridge, and it will taste just as delicious when you reheat it.

Now that you have the complete guide to creating Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet, it’s time to grab your ingredients and cook up a delightful meal for your family. This recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction around your dinner table. Enjoy!

Green Sauce Chicken & Rice Skillet

A one-skillet meal featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, rice, black beans, and salsa verde, offering comfort and flavor in under 35 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 15.5 oz salsa verde
• 1 can diced green chiles (4 oz)
• 1 cup white long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup roasted corn

Spices

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• dash black pepper

Garnish

• 3 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• Optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes Adjust based on personal preference.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and diced onion; cook until onions are soft and transparent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. While the onions cook, mix chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl.

Cooking

1. Add black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice to the skillet; stir to combine.
2. Increase heat to boil the mixture, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Check rice after 15 minutes; if not fully cooked, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. When rice is cooked and the mixture is creamy, turn off the heat, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and cover for 2-3 minutes to melt.
5. Uncover and garnish with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like avocado or red pepper flakes.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.