As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow through my window, I could hardly resist the vibrant aroma drifting in from the kitchen. It was my trusty One Pan Green Chicken and Rice—also known as arroz con pollo verde—that was making its weekly debut. This dish brings a modern twist to traditional Peruvian cuisine, combining succulent chicken thighs with a zesty green sauce that dances on your taste buds.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan wonder doesn’t just save on cleanup; it celebrates the freshness of cilantro, lime, and spices that elevate simple ingredients into a flavorful family feast. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or satisfy picky eaters, this meal checks all the boxes—gluten-free, dairy-free, and effortlessly delicious. So, grab your skillet and let’s dive into a recipe that promises to transform your dinner table into a vibrant culinary experience!
Why Choose One Pan Green Chicken and Rice?
Simplicity: This one-pan meal offers a fuss-free cooking experience, saving you time and effort.
Flavor-Packed: The zesty green sauce, enriched with cilantro and lime, delivers a burst of freshness in every bite.
Versatile: Whether you’re using chicken, shrimp, or seasonal veggies, this dish adapts to your preferences beautifully.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for busy families, you can whip up a big batch and savor leftovers throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, this dish will impress any guest and satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Don’t forget to check out our tips for enhancing flavor for even more delicious ideas!
One Pan Green Chicken and Rice Ingredients
• Here’s what you need to create a delightful One Pan Green Chicken and Rice.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – This main protein source is juicy and flavorful; opt for boneless, skinless for ease in cooking.
- Olive Oil – A healthy cooking fat for sautéing; feel free to swap it for avocado oil if preferred.
For the Green Sauce
- Garlic – Imparts a robust flavor to the sauce, ensuring every bite is savory.
- Onion (White or Yellow) – Adds a hint of sweetness and depth that rounds out the dish.
- Jalapeño – Introduces a spicy kick; remove the seeds for a milder effect.
- Fresh Cilantro – The star of the green sauce, delivering herby freshness; replace with parsley if you’re cilantro-averse.
- Lime Juice – Brightens the dish and complements the other flavors, with fresh lime being the best choice.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Keeps the rice moist and packed with flavor while cooking.
- Ground Cumin – Provides warm, earthy notes that enhance the sauce’s complexity.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for elevating the flavors; don’t skip these!
For the Rice and Vegetables
- White Basmati Rice – Serves as the perfect base, absorbing the delicious flavors; substitute with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice as needed.
- Carrots & Red Bell Pepper – Adds a pop of color and nutrients; feel free to swap with seasonal alternatives.
For Garnishes
- Garnishes (Cilantro, Avocado, Jalapeño, Sour Cream) – These enhance both presentation and flavor, adding that final touch to your dish.
How to Make One Pan Green Chicken and Rice
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Prepare the Green Sauce: Blend garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth. This vibrant sauce is the heart of your dish and will infuse everything with flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook for about 8-10 minutes, browning on both sides until they are golden brown.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, toss in the sliced carrots and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and soak up the delicious chicken juices.
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Combine: Pour the prepared green sauce over the chicken and vegetables, bringing it to a simmer. Add the white basmati rice, stirring well so everything is combined and coated.
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Cook & Cover: Nestle the browned chicken back into the pan, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors, becoming fluffy and tender.
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Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, and a drizzle of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess and flavor before serving.
Optional: Top with extra lime wedges for a burst of brightness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze One Pan Green Chicken and Rice
Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, ensuring the chicken and rice are covered to maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, ensuring the One Pan Green Chicken and Rice stays tender and flavorful.
Vacuum Sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, use it for freezing portions to prevent freezer burn and keep flavors intact longer.
One Pan Green Chicken and Rice Variations
Feel free to unleash your culinary creativity and tailor this dish to your taste!
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Protein Swap: Replace chicken thighs with shrimp or tofu to try different proteins and textures, making it a delightful choice for seafood or plant-based fans.
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Seasonal Veggies: Substitute carrots and red bell pepper with zucchini, peas, or even kale, allowing you to bring fresh seasonal flavors into the dish.
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Lower-Carb Option: Switch white basmati rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a lower-carb meal, adjusting the cooking time and liquid as needed for perfect texture.
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Spice It Up: Add chopped serrano or habanero peppers for those who crave heat, turning the flavor profile into a tantalizing spicy treat!
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Herb Variations: Experiment by replacing cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a refreshing twist, giving your one pan green chicken and rice a new herby flair.
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Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end for an irresistibly creamy finish, adding richness without the dairy.
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Citrus Boost: Drizzle additional lime or lemon juice just before serving for an extra zesty kick that brightens the dish even more.
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Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds on top before serving to introduce a nice crunch and a nutty depth that complements the dish beautifully.
What to Serve with One Pan Green Chicken and Rice?
Elevate your family meal experience by pairing this vibrant one-pan dish with complementary sides and treats.
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Light Green Salad: A crunchy salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the chicken and rice.
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Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp texture and subtle flavor balance the richness of the green sauce, making for a well-rounded plate.
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Cilantro Lime Rice: Enhance the meal with more rice, infused with lime and cilantro, deepening the tropical flavors already at play.
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Guacamole: Creamy and rich, this avocado dip adds a luscious layer to the meal; it’s perfect to smear on the chicken or enjoy on the side.
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Margaritas: A light, zesty margarita serves as an excellent drink option to complement the flavors, making the dinner feel festive.
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Churros: For a sweet finish, these fried dough treats with cinnamon sugar come together beautifully with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping.
These accompaniments not only enhance the vibrant flavors of the One Pan Green Chicken and Rice but also create a delightful dining experience that your family will cherish!
Expert Tips for One Pan Green Chicken and Rice
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Even Rice Cooking: Ensure rice is well distributed in the liquid for even cooking; this prevents any dry patches when finished.
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Cauliflower Rice Caution: If using cauliflower rice, add it just before serving to maintain texture; cooking it too long can lead to mushiness.
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Adjust for Rice Type: Be mindful that different rice varieties require different cooking times and liquid amounts. Brown rice, for example, needs more time and water.
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Flavorful Chicken: For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
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Veggie Variations: Feel free to swap out the carrots and bell peppers for any in-season vegetables—this one pan green chicken and rice recipe loves creativity!
Make Ahead Options
These One Pan Green Chicken and Rice (Arroz con Pollo Verde) are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the green sauce and chop your vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can marinate the chicken thighs overnight in lime juice and spices to enhance the flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the chicken and vegetables, combine them with the prepped sauce and rice, and follow the remaining cooking steps. This way, you’ll have a deliciously flavorful meal on the table with minimal effort, making busy weeknights a breeze!
One Pan Green Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and flavor. They cook evenly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this One Pan Green Chicken and Rice. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they tend to dry out faster.
How should I store leftovers of One Pan Green Chicken and Rice?
Store your delicious One Pan Green Chicken and Rice in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To maintain moisture and flavor, make sure the chicken and rice are well-covered. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is an excellent option!
Can I freeze One Pan Green Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
What if the rice is overcooked or undercooked?
If your rice turns out overcooked, it may become mushy. To avoid this, ensure it is evenly distributed in the liquid before covering and simmering. If it’s undercooked, add a small splash of broth or water, cover the pan, and let it simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the rice reaches your desired texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. If you’re preparing this meal for someone with allergies, always double-check ingredient lists. Additionally, for anyone who doesn’t enjoy cilantro, parsley can be used as a lovely substitute in the green sauce.
How can I enhance the flavor of the green sauce?
For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices—like cumin and garlic powder—for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing your One Pan Green Chicken and Rice experience even further!
One Pan Green Chicken and Rice That'll Spice Up Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Green Sauce: Blend garlic, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook for about 8-10 minutes, browning on both sides.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, toss in the sliced carrots and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine: Pour the prepared green sauce over the chicken and vegetables, bring to a simmer. Add the white basmati rice and stir to combine.
- Cook & Cover: Nestle chicken back into the pan, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and sour cream before serving.