Black Beans And Chicken
A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, black beans, and aromatic spices, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken breasts in a little olive oil.
- Saute garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Add all remaining ingredients including black beans, chicken broth, scallions, red wine vinegar, and chili powder.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes with the chicken.
- Serve over cooked white rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in lime juice and spices before browning. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. You can also use canned black beans with no added salt to keep the dish lower in sodium. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and consider adding a dash of cumin for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black beans and chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime for brightness. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican recipes like My Favorite Mexican Dip or a simple green salad to balance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Beans And Chicken contains roughly 813 calories, with 55g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (110% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 747mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you're short on time, you can cook them from frozen, but the cooking time will need to be extended. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water with a bit of seasoning. For a richer flavor, consider using homemade broth or low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the mixture. You could also serve it with hot sauce on the side or sprinkle red pepper flakes just before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).