Description
This Cheesy Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet is cozy, cheesy, and full of flavor with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melty Monterey Jack. Made in just one pan, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that also makes amazing leftovers. A hearty, protein-packed meal for busy nights, meal prep, or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken breast)
- 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 long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup roasted corn
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Dash of black pepper
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, red pepper flakes
Instructions
Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
Season the base
Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom until the kitchen smells warm and cozy.
Add the hearty ingredients
Mix in black beans, roasted corn, shredded chicken, diced green chiles, salsa verde, chicken broth, and rice. Stir well so everything is coated with flavor.
Simmer to perfection
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
Finish with cheese
Once the rice is cooked, sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover again and let it melt into creamy, stretchy layers of comfort.
Garnish & serve
Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra kick. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use long grain white rice for best results. Rotisserie chicken saves time, but cooked chicken breast works too. Leftovers are even better the next day, making this perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 29g
Keywords: salsa verde chicken skillet, easy dinner, cheesy chicken rice, one pan meal, high protein dinner