Quick & Zesty Chicken, Rice and Beans Recipe You’ll Love

Whipping up a delightful chicken, rice and beans dish brings comfort right to your plate.

Packed with hearty ingredients, this meal satisfies deep hunger pangs without complicated preparation.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that taste amazing.

Protein-rich chicken combines perfectly with creamy beans and fluffy rice for a balanced meal.

Mediterranean and Latin American culinary traditions inspired this straightforward recipe.

Minimal kitchen skills work brilliantly here, making cooking fun and stress-free.

Savor every bite of this delicious, nutritious creation that will quickly become a household favorite.

Chicken, Rice, and Beans: Simple Comfort Food

• Perfect for beginners with simple steps that guarantee a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Minimal cleanup with everything baked together in a single dish, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
• Packed with protein from chicken and beans, plus complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find, making this recipe wallet-friendly for home cooks on a budget.

Ingredients for Chicken, Rice, and Beans

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the primary source of nutrition in this one-dish meal.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add flavor, texture, and additional nutrients to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: A seasoning that provides a robust, savory undertone to the overall recipe.

• Rice: A staple grain that absorbs the broth and creates a hearty base for the chicken.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich legume that complements the chicken and adds a creamy texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Cumin: A warm spice that introduces a deep, earthy flavor profile to the dish.
• Broth or Water: A liquid component that helps cook the rice and keeps the chicken moist during baking.
• Nonstick Spray: A kitchen tool that prevents the ingredients from sticking to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish and trap moisture during the cooking process.

How to Make Chicken, Rice, and Beans

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven to 400F (200C).

Grab a baking dish and coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken.

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Add Colorful Vegetables

• Diced onion
• Chopped bell pepper

The veggies will add amazing flavor and color to the dish.

Step 4: Create the Flavorful Rice Mixture

• Garlic powder
• Ground cumin
• Black beans
• Uncooked rice

Pour this delicious mixture directly over the chicken in the baking dish.

Step 5: Moisten the Ingredients

Pour broth or water into the dish, making sure the rice is completely covered with liquid.

This helps the rice cook perfectly and keeps everything moist.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked through and the rice is tender.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve this delightful one-pan meal to your hungry guests.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken, Rice, and Beans Dish

• Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts with skin for juicier meat that stays moist during baking.
• Rinse rice before adding to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains that don't clump together.
• Add a splash of salsa or diced green chilies to the rice mixture for an extra kick of southwest-inspired taste.
• Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, and use brown rice for added nutrition.
• Double the recipe and freeze individual portions for convenient future meals that reheat wonderfully.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken, Rice, and Beans

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Package the chicken, rice, and beans in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stir midway to distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken, Rice, and Beans

• Spice Up with Zesty Margarita: A classic margarita's citrusy and tequila notes complement the dish's Mexican-inspired flavors, cutting through the richness of beans and chicken.
• Elevate with Fresh Cilantro Salsa: Homemade salsa adds bright, tangy freshness that balances the hearty casserole, bringing vibrant color and zesty kick to each bite.
• Pair with Crisp Cabernet Sauvignon: The wine's medium body and subtle tannins match perfectly with the robust chicken and bean combination, enhancing the meal's savory profile.
• Cool Down with Lime Agua Fresca: This light, refreshing drink provides a perfect counterpoint to the warm, spiced dish, offering a hydrating and palate-cleansing experience.

Flavorful Variations on Chicken, Rice, and Beans

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a wheat-free alternative that keeps the meal nutritious and delicious.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition and reduced carbohydrate content.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced jalapeños, add smoked paprika, and top with fresh cilantro to create a more intense, zesty flavor experience.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or basmati rice. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as brown rice might require a bit more liquid and cooking time.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth or water is certified gluten-free if you have celiac concerns.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture to increase the heat level. You can also use spicy beans or add cayenne pepper for extra kick.

• What if I don't have black beans?

No problem! You can replace black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or white beans. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor but will work perfectly in this one-dish meal.

Easy Chicken, Rice and Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 34 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Chicken, Rice and Beans delights palates with classic Latin American comfort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal packed with rich flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Starches:

• 1 cup long-grain rice

Beans and Vegetables:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced

Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper, arranging them evenly in the prepared dish.
3. Distribute chopped onions and colorful bell peppers across the chicken, creating a vibrant base layer.
4. Combine rice, black beans, garlic powder, and ground cumin in a separate mixing bowl, ensuring even spice distribution.
5. Spread the rice and bean mixture uniformly over the chicken and vegetable layer, creating a complete one-pan meal.
6. Carefully pour chicken broth or water into the dish, ensuring the rice is completely submerged for proper cooking.
7. Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and promote even cooking.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice is tender and fully cooked.
9. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow slight browning and crisp edges if desired.

Notes

• Swap protein options by using tofu, turkey, or fish for variety and different dietary needs.
• Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility.
• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley after baking for bright, fresh flavor and extra nutrition.
• Use low-sodium broth or water to control salt content and create a healthier one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 34
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg