Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty salsa verde, and a blend of spices, it delivers comforting Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 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
- Optional toppings: avocado, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and diced yellow onion to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the spices to the garlic and onion, stirring to combine and release their aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in the rinsed and drained black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Stir everything together to combine thoroughly.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 2–3 minutes before reducing the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and set a timer for 15 minutes.
- Step 6: After 15 minutes, check if the rice is cooked through. If it needs more time, cover and cook for a few more minutes until fully tender.
- Step 7: Once the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is cooked, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, cover the skillet again, and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 8: When the cheese is melted, garnish with fresh cilantro, and add optional toppings like avocado slices and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicier salsa verde.
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken with cooked ground chicken or turkey for a different texture.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice, but increase the cooking time to about 40-45 minutes and add more broth as needed.
- Top with a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice if it has dried out during storage.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the skillet and store it in the fridge before cooking. When ready to eat, cook the dish as instructed from the refrigerated state, allowing extra time as needed for the rice to absorb the liquid and fully cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your chicken broth and salsa verde do not contain any gluten additives, which is uncommon but possible depending on brands.
Print
Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This flavorful Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal combining tender shredded rotisserie chicken, zesty salsa verde, black beans, roasted corn, and spices. Cooked on the stovetop, this easy recipe results in a comforting dish topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
Optional Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Add the extra virgin olive oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and diced yellow onion to the heated oil. Cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add spices: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle these spices over the garlic and onion mixture and stir well to release the flavors.
- Combine main ingredients: Pour in the rinsed black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salsa verde, and rice. Stir everything together to evenly combine all components.
- Simmer rice: Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 2-3 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and set a timer for 15 minutes to let the rice cook and absorb the liquids.
- Check rice doneness: When the timer goes off, uncover and check if the rice is cooked through. If it needs more time, cover and simmer for an additional few minutes until tender.
- Finish with cheese: Once the rice is cooked and liquid absorbed, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top, replace the lid, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Add fresh toppings: After the cheese is melted, garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if using.
- Serve and enjoy: Dish out the skillet meal warm and enjoy this hearty, flavorful dinner with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy; you can also use leftover cooked chicken.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and red pepper flakes to your taste.
- If you prefer, substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Make sure to rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the rice to avoid a mushy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Salsa Verde Chicken, Chicken and Rice Skillet, Mexican Chicken Recipe, One-Pan Meal, Easy Weeknight Dinner

