Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, long-grain white rice, tangy salsa verde, and savory chicken broth. This hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors in a convenient skillet cooking method.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa verde
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to develop flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice, mixing well to coat the grains with the oil and chicken juices for enhanced flavor absorption.
- Pour in Broth and Salsa Verde: Add the chicken broth and salsa verde to the skillet and stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil to start the cooking process for the rice.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove the skillet from heat, keep it covered, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the dish and serve with lime wedges for an added burst of freshness and tang.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh salsa verde to enhance the flavor, but store-bought works well too.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Make sure to let the rice rest after cooking to achieve fluffy texture.
- This dish can be served with a side of black beans or avocado for a more complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
