Spicy Chicken And Beans
Spicy Chicken and Beans offers a hearty, flavorful dish with tender chicken, kidney and white beans, and a spicy tomato sauce infused with jalapenos and cumin. Perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat, this dish is satisfying and easy to prepare for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breast fillets ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can white beans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dairy sour cream or shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- sliced green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chicken, onion, and garlic in hot oil for 8 to 10 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
- Drain off fat.
- Add cumin, salt, and pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute more.
- Stir in undrained tomatoes (cut up), tomato sauce, and peppers.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beans and heat through.
- Serve topped with sour cream or shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced green onion if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you don't have kidney or white beans, any canned beans like black beans or pinto beans will work well as substitutes. To enhance the flavor, try marinating the chicken in lime juice and cumin before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy chicken and beans with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheese-Bean Dip for an appetizer or side. Garnish with fresh sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream or shredded Cheddar cheese for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Chicken And Beans contains roughly 1015 calories, with 12g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 662mg per serving (29% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Simply prepare it and let it cool before refrigerating. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with a mix of diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also add more beans for protein. The recipe will still be flavorful and satisfying with the spices and tomatoes.
What can I serve with spicy chicken and beans?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, cornbread, or rice. For a unique twist, you might also enjoy it alongside Vegetable Tortilla Stacks for a complete meal.
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).