Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Introduction

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder that delivers bold, tangy flavors with minimal cleanup. Thanks to the vibrant salsa verde, juicy chicken, and fluffy rice, you’ll have a comforting and satisfying meal in under an hour. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even casual entertaining—delightful for anyone who craves a fresh, zesty twist on classic chicken and rice.

Why You’ll Love Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

This recipe shines for its balance of simplicity, flavor, and convenience. The salsa verde infuses every bite with irresistibly bright, herby notes, while the skillet method allows all ingredients to meld together, producing juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice, all in one pan. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap the protein or toss in extra veggies for a meal that’s uniquely yours.

Creating a Flavorful Skillet Meal

Flavor is key here. Brown the chicken first for deeper flavor, letting the salsa verde soak into every crevice. The rice cooks in the same pan, absorbing all the delicious juices from the chicken and salsa verde. Want even more dimension? Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a handful of fresh cilantro before serving.

One-Pan Assembly for Easy Prep and Cleanup

This skillet recipe streamlines both cooking and cleaning. Sauté the chicken, add aromatics, then stir in the uncooked rice and salsa verde. Everything simmers together until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Because it’s all in one pan, cleanup is a breeze and flavors are maximized.

Serving Suggestions for Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet

Serve this skillet straight from the pan, garnished with chopped avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Pair it with a crisp green salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal. It also makes excellent leftovers—enjoy it for lunch wrapped in a burrito or served over greens as a flavorful salad bowl.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 420 calories, depending on added toppings and the brand of salsa verde used. It’s a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and plenty of satisfaction, making it great for both family dinners and meal prep.

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet (Recap)

Bring tangy zest and mealtime simplicity together with this dish—a flavorful, crowd-pleasing skillet that turns minimal ingredients into maximum comfort and taste.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly create a categorized shopping list with every ingredient sorted by grocery store section. This feature makes both meal planning and shopping quick, seamless, and stress-free.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with cumin, salt, and pepper, and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
2. Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the dry rice to the pan and cook, stirring, for 1 minute to toast slightly.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and salsa verde. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese over the skillet during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Cover to melt the cheese.
7. Remove from heat. Top with cilantro, avocado slices, and a squeeze of lime. Serve directly from the skillet with sour cream on the side if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a dream for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to easily plan when you’ll make it and create smart shopping lists that merge ingredients for all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates ingredient totals across every recipe on your menu
– Breaks down shopping lists by grocery categories for smooth in-store trips
– Helps you avoid duplicate purchases and forgotten items
– Streamlines weekly meal prep and maximizes efficiency

Pro tip: Already planning another Mexican-inspired meal? Schedule recipes in CookifyAI to see overlapping ingredients—like onion or cilantro—so you buy just what you need, reduce food waste, and simplify cooking all week.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes