Healthy Black Bean Chicken
Packed with protein and bold, zesty flavors, this Healthy Black Bean Chicken recipe is a wholesome one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, bite-sized chicken breast pieces are seared to golden perfection and simmered with hearty black beans, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic spices like cumin and paprika. A splash of lime juice and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brighten up the dish, while a touch of low-sodium chicken broth ties the flavors together into a comforting, slightly saucy base. Ready in just 40 minutes, this nutrient-packed meal pairs beautifully with fluffy quinoa or rice for a complete, satisfying dinner. Whether you’re looking for a high-protein, low-fat option or a vibrant new way to incorporate black beans and chicken into your meals, this recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 15 ounces black beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 medium lime, juiced
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups optional cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
Instructions
Rinse and drain the black beans, and set them aside.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking the spices for 30-45 seconds.
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the black beans. Stir well to combine.
Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the black bean chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.5 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 386 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 2926 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 203.5 g | 74% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.4 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.4 g | ||
| Protein | 179.3 g | 359% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 373 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 14.4 mg | 80% | |
| Potassium | 1903 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
