• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Cuisines

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

5
/5
33 minutes
24 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 03/30/2016

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.


This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor… not to mention the vibrant green color!  You can pair this rice with any main dish!


Green rice.  Sounds weird, but I promise you… this is one strikingly delicious side dish!  I love it alongside just about any entree, and really enjoy the nice change up from other traditional rice dishes.

Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

It’s no secret that I’m basically hopelessly hooked on Mexican food… I mean just take a look HERE to see all my Mexican inspired dishes (with more to come!).  But when it comes to side dishes, I would tend to stick with the same rice recipe.  Now don’t get me wrong… it’s a GREAT recipe, but I wanted some variety!

This past summer I picked up a copy of Fine Cooking’s Mexican issue and pretty much drooled all over every single page of the magazine.  But one dish in particular really stood out to me… Arroz Verde.

Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

So fresh, so vibrant… so beautiful!  And I love that there’s no dye or coloring in this dish… just a handful of great ingredients.  I did make a slight change… I added some minced jalapeno for a slight kick, but you could leave that out if you’d prefer.  Feel free to change up the pepper too, if you prefer poblanos or another type of pepper.

Since the jalapeno cooks with the rice, the heat really mellows the spiciness.

Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

Even though you’ll be toasting the uncooked rice in some oil, this green rice has some great nutrients in it since half of the green color comes from fresh spinach!

My personal favorite recipes to serve alongside this rice are my smothered beef barbacoa chimichangas, slow cooker pork carnitas, and Caribbean citrus habanero chicken skewers.

Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

I’m pretty sure this is my new favorite rice dish, and I anticipate making it over and over and over again this summer!!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

5 from 5 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro
  • 1 cup tightly packed fresh spinach leaves
  • 1-1/4 cups chicken stock
  • 1-1/4 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1-1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 1 jalapeno seeds removed, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lime quartered

Instructions

  • To a blender or food processor, add cilantro, spinach, chicken stock, milk and salt. Puree until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  • Add olive oil and butter to a large saucepan (with tight fitting lid), and heat over MED heat.
  • Add rice and stir. Saute rice, stirring often, until it starts to toast and turn golden brown. This will take about 3 minutes or so.
  • Add onion, jalapeno and garlic, and saute for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in pureed mixture, stirring to combine well.
  • Increase heat to HIGH to bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce heat to LOW, cover with lid, and cook for 20 minutes.
  • Stir rice once, cover pan again and cook another 5 minutes.
  • Turn off the heat and let rice sit in the covered pot for 10 minutes.
  • Fluff with a fork and serve.
  • Squeeze a lime quarter over the rice right before eating for extra freshness!

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

1. Rice cooking times are approximate, as all burners cook differently. If you think your burner cooks hotter, you might want to check the rice for doneness after the 20 minutes and adjust from there.
2. Recipe adapted slightly from Fine Cooking magazine, Mexican issue

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!
Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com
Arroz Verde Green Rice | This green rice, or arroz verde, is so rich and full of flavor... not to mention the vibrant green color! You can pair this rice with any main dish! | http://thechunkychef.com

You May Also Like...

  • Easy Baked Mexican Rice | This foolproof method for cooking rice tastes just like the rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant... full of flavor and cooked to perfectly fluffy perfection! | http://thechunkychef.com
    Easy Baked Mexican Rice
  • One Pot Chicken and Dirty Rice | Chicken thighs are cooked on top of a homemade dirty rice, which makes for the most flavorful Cajun-inspired dish you've ever had! Plus, all you need is one pot! | http://thechunkychef.com
    One Pot Chicken and Dirty Rice
  • Made entirely in one pan, this Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice is bursting with powerful flavors, and ready in 45 minutes or less!  Plus plenty of prep-ahead tips to cut down on cooking time! #chicken #rice #southwest #mexican #fajita #onepan #onepot #easyrecipe #dinner #cooking
    Southwest Chicken and Rice
  • Easy Baked Mexican Rice | This foolproof method for cooking rice tastes just like the rice from your favorite Mexican restaurant... full of flavor and cooked to perfectly fluffy perfection! | http://thechunkychef.com
    Easy Baked Mexican Rice
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Rachel says

    Posted on 4/24 at 7:47 pm

    I made this tonight to serve with your Mexican shredded chicken. Both were a hit! I’ll be making more of your recipes for sure.

    Reply
  2. camille says

    Posted on 4/19 at 4:37 pm

    just made a double batch used cashew millk instead

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/19 at 5:38 pm

      Awesome to hear it works well with non-dairy milks as well 🙂

      Reply
  3. Bonnie says

    Posted on 8/21 at 8:32 pm

    This dish is scrumptious! The only change I made was I used Hatch chili’s instead of jalepanos because that’s what I had

    Reply
  4. Kita says

    Posted on 3/27 at 10:57 pm

    This rice was a hit with my whole family, ages 7-35! We substituted the dairies with coconut milk and nature’s balance and it was phenomenal. I imagine with real butter and cow’s milk it would be divine as well, but to those who can’t have dairy, try our method! I’d tried a few arroz verde recipes, and this was the closest I’ve gotten to our favorite restaurant rice. Thank you!!

    Reply
  5. Mari says

    Posted on 1/10 at 1:11 am

    Why the milk? 

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 1/10 at 8:54 pm

      It adds richness to the dish.

      Reply
  6. Keith Scott says

    Posted on 6/2 at 5:00 pm

    I have some leftover cooked spinach… could I use that?

    Reply
  7. Lisa D Bond says

    Posted on 2/5 at 2:45 pm

    Way late to the party…but I am one of those people genetically predisposed to HATING the vileness that is cilantro. Can it just be left out or should it be replaced with something else?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 2/5 at 7:55 pm

      I haven’t tested it with anything other than the way it’s written, but I would probably substitute parsley for the cilantro.

      Reply
    • Kita says

      Posted on 3/27 at 10:58 pm

      My partner HATES cilantro and he says he can’t taste it in this dish. It could be worth a try!

      Reply
  8. Jackie says

    Posted on 8/13 at 5:22 pm

    I have made this rice three times already and it has been an amazing hit with children as young as two and adults! The cilantro flavor and the seasoning is perfect! Thank you for such an fabulous recipe!

    Reply
  9. nicole @ I am a Honey Bee says

    Posted on 4/10 at 9:26 pm

    this sounds like the best kind of side dish!!!

    Reply
  10. Megan @ MegUnprocessed.com says

    Posted on 4/7 at 12:48 pm

    I’ve never had this kind of rice before… It looks tasty!

    Reply
  11. Liz says

    Posted on 4/6 at 12:45 pm

    I am stuck in a rice rut! Your gorgeous recipe may be just the solution!

    Reply
  12. Beverley Press says

    Posted on 4/6 at 4:07 am

    Amanda this is such a treat to add to any dish…love this and it looks great too.

    Reply
  13. Emily Marie says

    Posted on 4/3 at 1:24 pm

    Love this! I always wondered what went in to vibrant rice dishes like this. Will definitely be trying soon!

    Reply
  14. Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says

    Posted on 4/1 at 1:33 am

    I could eat this rice every night for dinner and be one happy girl!! I need to make this asap!! Loving that pretty green color too!

    Reply
  15. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    Posted on 3/31 at 11:06 am

    That rice is so beautiful! Love the color and the flavors!

    Reply
  16. Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says

    Posted on 3/31 at 9:11 am

    We always have the same rice recipe with our Mexican as well. We love it, but I think it would be great to swtich it up sometimes! Going to try this!

    Reply
  17. Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says

    Posted on 3/30 at 8:21 pm

    what a pretty and delicious looking dish

    Reply
  18. Justine | Cooking and Beer says

    Posted on 3/30 at 11:31 am

    This is one beautiful bowl of rice! Love that color!

    Reply
  19. TidyMom says

    Posted on 3/30 at 10:16 am

    oh I’m drooling!! This might be my new favorite dish too!!

    Reply
  20. Nick says

    Posted on 3/30 at 9:24 am

    I’m totally making this!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top