Zesty Chicken with Black Beans
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant Zesty Chicken with Black Beans, a one-skillet wonder bursting with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, zesty sauce made with black beans, diced tomatoes, lime juice, and aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin. A sauté of tender onions infuses the dish with extra depth, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and optional melted cheese adds a fresh and creamy finish. Ready in just 40 minutes, this protein-packed recipe is perfect served over rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a dinner favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 15 ounces black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons cilantro (chopped)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside (it does not need to be fully cooked yet).
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and lime juice. Mix everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. If desired, add shredded cheese as a topping and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
Serve the zesty chicken with black beans warm, either on its own or over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.0 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 163 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 1094 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.1 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.5 g | ||
| Protein | 65.5 g | 131% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 185 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1009 mg | 21% | |
*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.
