Brazilian Chicken and Black Beans and Rice

Discover the vibrant flavors of Brazil with this hearty and satisfying Brazilian Chicken and Black Beans and Rice recipe! Juicy, spice-rubbed chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, savory sauce of black beans, diced tomatoes, and aromatics like onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Finished with tender, fluffy long-grain rice and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, zesty, and earthy flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s both comforting and flavorful. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Brazil!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups black beans, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 leaves bay leaves
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 4 wedges lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika on both sides.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the pan, covering them with some of the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.

Step 5

While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt (optional). Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 6

Once the chicken is cooked, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste the black bean sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7

To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates, top with the chicken and black bean mixture, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Add a lime wedge on the side for a burst of freshness.

Step 8

Enjoy your Brazilian Chicken and Black Beans and Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2671.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2043.7

Total Fat 77.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 500mg	0%
Sodium 4502.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 187.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.2g	0%
Total Sugars 14.8g
Protein 149.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 460.5mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 3387.1mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.0%

Protein: 29.3%

Carbs: 36.7%