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!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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).

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 4

Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and lime juice. Mix everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Step 5

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).

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Serve the zesty chicken with black beans warm, either on its own or over rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1807.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2176.1

Total Fat 74.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 651.6mg	0%
Sodium 4823.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 110.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.1g	0%
Total Sugars 20.3g
Protein 261.5g	0%

Vitamin D 19.0IU	0%
Calcium 766.5mg	0%
Iron 18.3mg	0%
Potassium 3969.6mg	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: 31.0%

Protein: 48.4%

Carbs: 20.5%