Name: One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 1 tbsp canola oil; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 Green Onions; 2 cloves garlic; 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 can green chilies; 2 tsp lime zest; 3 tbsp lime juice; 14½ oz black beans; 2 cups MINUTE White Rice; ⅓ cup cilantro

If you're keen on creating a dish that's bursting with flavor, yet simple to prepare - look no further. This one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans recipe is your answer. The dish brings the zesty tang of lime, the freshness of cilantro, and a delightful blend of chicken, rice, and black beans together, promising to be an absolute treat for your taste buds.

Photos of One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe

Most of the ingredients listed should be readily available in your kitchen pantry. However, if you're not in the habit of using cilantro and lime frequently, you might need to pick them up from the supermarket. Also, if you don't have can green chilies at home, be sure to add them to your shopping list. These are key ingredients that impart a unique flavor to this dish.

Key Ingredients for One-pan Cilantro-lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans

Chicken breasts: This is the main protein source in this dish, and it absorbs all the flavors beautifully.

Canola oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, it has a mild flavor that doesn't interfere with the other ingredients.

Green onions: They add a mild and sweet onion flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Its pungent, spicy flavor mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.

Chicken broth: It brings depth and richness to the overall flavor of the dish.

Green chilies: They add a spicy kick to the dish.

Lime zest and juice: They add a refreshing, tangy flavor.

Black beans: They are a good source of protein and fiber and add a hearty texture to the dish.

Minute white rice: It cooks up in no time and soaks up all the flavors of the ingredients it’s cooked with.

Cilantro: Often used as a garnish, it adds a refreshing, herbal flavor to the dish.

One reader, Jeannine Hamblin says:

This one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are vibrant and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of cilantro and lime gives it a refreshing twist. It's a perfect weeknight meal that's both delicious and satisfying. Highly recommended!

Jeannine Hamblin

Essential Techniques for Making One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

How to sauté the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 6 minutes until cooked through, adding in lighter portions of the green onions and garlic at the last 1 minute of cooking.

How to cook the rice: After adding the rice to the boiling mixture, fully immerse the rice in the broth and allow it to boil for 20 seconds. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and immediately cover it with a lid. Let it rest for 5 to 6 minutes. If needed, return the pan to medium heat and cook and toss for 1 minute to allow the rice to absorb excess moisture.

How to finish the dish: After removing the skillet from the heat, toss in the cilantro and let the dish rest uncovered for 3 minutes before serving.

How To Make One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans

One-pan recipes like this chicken and rice recipe are an easy way to prepare a filling dish. This one has Mexican flavors from the cilantro and lime.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbchicken breasts,boneless skinless, diced into 1 inch cubes
1tbspcanola oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
4green onions,chopped, keep lighter and darker portions separate
2clovesgarlic,minced
1½cupslow sodium chicken broth
1cangreen chilies,(4 oz), chopped
2tsplime zest
3tbsplime juice
14½ozblack beans,(1 can), rinsed and well drained
2cupsminute white rice,(don’t use regular rice)
⅓cupcilantro,chopped

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and saute for about 6 minutes until cooked through, adding in lighter portions of the green onions and garlic at the last 1 minute of cooking.
Stir in broth, green onion greens, green chilies, lime zest, lime juice, black beans and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring mixture to a boil, add rice, fully immerse rice in broth, and allow to boil 20 seconds, then remove from heat and immediately cover with a lid. Let rest 5 to 6 minutes.
If needed, return pan to medium heat and cook and toss 1 minute to allow rice to absorb excess moisture.
Remove from heat, toss in cilantro and let rest uncovered for 3 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 960.40kcal
Fat: 16.67g
Saturated Fat: 3.99g
Trans Fat: 0.13g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.14g
Carbohydrates: 147.23g
Fiber: 17.05g
Sugar: 3.49g
Protein: 54.91g
Cholesterol: 72.57mg
Sodium: 1046.80mg
Calcium: 177.19mg
Potassium: 2060.57mg
Iron: 7.53mg
Vitamin A: 46.47µg
Vitamin C: 35.68mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting This Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice Recipe

When adding the rice to the skillet, make sure to fully immerse it in the broth. This ensures that the rice absorbs the flavors from the broth, lime, green chilies, and black beans. Also, letting the rice rest after cooking allows it to absorb any excess moisture, resulting in a fluffier and more flavorful dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This One-Pan Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cooked rice: Consider using pre-cooked rice to cut down on the cooking time and simplify the process.

One-pan meals: Opt for one-pan meals to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Organize ingredients: Arrange all ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook for a more efficient process.

Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Efficient chopping: Master efficient chopping techniques to speed up the prep work and save time.

Substitute Ingredients For One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast, providing a similar texture and taste in the dish.
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to canola oil, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for green onions, providing a mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic.
low sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth, adding depth of flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian-friendly.
minute white rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious substitute for white rice, providing a nutty flavor and a boost of protein to the dish.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Elevate Your Presentation of This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Recipe

Elevate the plating: Arrange the cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce pops of color by garnishing the dish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges, adding a visually stimulating element to the presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the chicken, rice, and black beans are meticulously arranged to create an aesthetically pleasing composition.
Emphasize balance: Strive for a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, ensuring that each element of the dish is thoughtfully presented to highlight its unique qualities.
Highlight the freshness: Showcase the vibrant green hues of the cilantro and the zesty aroma of the lime to emphasize the freshness of the ingredients.
Incorporate texture: Consider incorporating a textural element, such as a delicate sprinkle of toasted pepitas or a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce, to add depth and complexity to the presentation.
Utilize elegant servingware: Select elegant and refined servingware that complements the sophistication of the dish, elevating the overall dining experience for the esteemed culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Canola oil: A neutral-flavored oil suitable for high-heat cooking.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings for flavoring the dish.
Cutting board: Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife for slicing, dicing, and mincing.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
Lime zester: Tool used to remove the outer zest of limes for flavor.
Juicer: Used to extract lime juice for the recipe.
Skillet lid: Essential for covering the skillet during cooking.
Wooden spoon: Used for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
Grater: Used for grating garlic and other ingredients.
Saucepan: Used for boiling the chicken broth and other ingredients.
Measuring cup: Essential for accurately measuring liquids such as chicken broth.
Colander: Used for draining and rinsing the black beans.
Rice cooker: Optional for cooking the rice separately, if preferred.
Serving platter: Used for serving the finished dish.
Kitchen timer: Useful for keeping track of cooking times.

Storing and Freezing Tips for One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

Allow the one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, you can either microwave the dish or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to help moisten the rice.
If you plan on freezing the dish, transfer the cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
The frozen one-pan meal will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat from frozen, first thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of chicken broth or water to help rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.
If you find that the black beans or rice have absorbed too much liquid during storage, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to help brighten up the flavors before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

Stovetop method: place the leftover one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans in a skillet over medium heat. add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten the rice and prevent it from drying out. stir occasionally until the dish is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. if desired, you can add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro to brighten up the flavors before serving.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans to a microwave-safe dish. cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through. cooking times may vary depending on the power of your microwave and the amount of leftovers being reheated. once heated, fluff the rice with a fork and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). place the leftover one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow any excess moisture to evaporate and the top to slightly crisp up. once heated, fluff the rice with a fork and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to store any leftover one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. when stored properly, leftovers should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.

Interesting Trivia About Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice

The cilantro in this recipe is also known as coriander in some parts of the world. It is a popular herb used in many cuisines, adding a fresh and citrusy flavor to dishes. It is often used as a garnish or as a key ingredient in salsas, marinades, and dressings. Cilantro is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making it not only a flavorful addition to meals but also a nutritious one.

Budget-Friendly One-Pan Chicken and Rice Dish

The cost-effectiveness of this cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans recipe is quite high. The ingredients are commonly found and affordable, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The combination of chicken, rice, and black beans offers a balanced and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice Dish Healthy?

This one-pan cilantro-lime chicken and rice with black beans recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. Here's why:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair
Black beans are rich in fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals
Brown rice is a whole grain that offers complex carbohydrates, fiber, and nutrients
Cilantro and lime add fresh flavors and antioxidants to the dish
The recipe uses low-sodium chicken broth, which helps control sodium intake

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
Use a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, instead of canola oil
Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to boost the nutrient density of the meal
Consider using a low-fat cheese, such as part-skim mozzarella or feta, as a topping to add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie and fat content
Serve the dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to further increase the fiber and nutrient intake

By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the nutritional value of this already healthy and delicious one-pan meal. The combination of lean protein, whole grains, and vegetables creates a satisfying and nourishing dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Take: One-Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans

The combination of cilantro, lime, and chicken in this one-pan dish creates a vibrant and flavorful meal. The addition of black beans and green chilies adds depth and texture, while the use of minute white rice makes it a convenient and quick dish to prepare. The cooking method ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy, and the cilantro adds a fresh and aromatic finish. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and is a great option for a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Enhance Your One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing and colorful salad featuring ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, and a zesty lime dressing.

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Sweet and juicy pineapple slices caramelized on the grill for a delightful tropical side dish.

Similar One-Pan Recipes to Try

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: These spicy shrimp tacos are the perfect blend of heat and flavor, with a delicious homemade salsa to top them off.

Mango Avocado Salad: This refreshing mango avocado salad is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a zesty lime dressing to tie it all together.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this tomato basil soup, perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake: Treat yourself to a slice of this decadent lemon blueberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a tangy lemon curd topping.

Garlic Butter Steak: Savor the juicy and tender flavors of this garlic butter steak, perfectly seared and seasoned to perfection.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious start to any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Assemble skewers of fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves for a simple yet elegant appetizer. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this warm, gooey dessert. The outer layer is perfectly baked, while the center oozes with a molten chocolate surprise. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Tiramisu: Transport yourself to Italy with this classic dessert. Layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese are topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving for more.

Why trust this One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of cilantro-lime flavors, tender chicken breasts, and hearty black beans, creating a vibrant and satisfying one-pan meal. The use of lime zest and lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy twist, while the addition of green chilies provides a subtle heat. The inclusion of cilantro at the end enhances the dish with its fresh and aromatic notes. With the convenience of using minute white rice and the simplicity of a one-pan preparation, this recipe promises a flavorful and hassle-free cooking experience.

Have you tried this One Pan Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice with Black Beans Recipe? Share your experience and any tweaks you made in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I use fresh lime juice instead of bottled lime juice?

Absolutely! Fresh lime juice will give the dish a brighter and fresher flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as fresh lime juice may vary in acidity compared to bottled lime juice.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. However, brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to serve. Keep the chicken, rice, and beans separate and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in airtight containers or freezer bags to maintain the best quality. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help moisten the rice and chicken.