Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying, let me introduce you to Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. This dish is like a mini vacation on a plate—zesty citrus, fragrant herbs, juicy chicken, and hearty beans all come together in the most delicious way. It’s bright, a little tangy, and full of bold flavor without being fussy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress someone without breaking a sweat.

Trust me, once you taste that juicy, citrusy chicken nestled over fluffy rice and creamy beans, this one’s going straight into your regular rotation. It’s comforting and exciting, and we love that combo.

Why You’ll Love Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

Big Flavor, Low Effort
A simple marinade of orange juice, garlic, and cilantro brings huge flavor to the chicken with minimal work.

Balanced and Satisfying
You’ve got lean protein, hearty beans, and fluffy rice all in one dish—it’s a complete meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Naturally Gluten-Free
No need for fancy swaps or substitutes—this dish is naturally gluten-free and super allergy-friendly.

Customizable to Your Taste
Add spice, swap the beans, or change up the herbs—you can make this dish totally your own.

Perfect for Meal Prep
Make a big batch and enjoy it for days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (maybe better!) the next day.

Ingredients in Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

Chicken Thighs or Breasts
Juicy and flavorful, chicken is the star of this dish. Thighs are especially forgiving and tender, but breasts work too!

Fresh Orange Juice
The citrusy base of the marinade—adds brightness, natural sweetness, and a fresh tang.

Orange Zest
Adds an extra pop of concentrated orange flavor that really makes the dish sing.

Fresh Cilantro
Herby, aromatic, and slightly peppery—cilantro adds that vibrant green flavor we love.

Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the chicken with savory depth and aroma.

Olive Oil
Helps the marinade coat the chicken and keeps everything juicy while cooking.

Ground Cumin
Adds a warm, earthy backbone to balance the bright citrus.

Salt & Pepper
The basics, but essential—season to taste.

Cooked White or Brown Rice
The perfect base to soak up all those citrusy juices and hold the whole dish together.

Black Beans or Pinto Beans
Creamy, hearty, and full of protein—beans round out the meal and make it extra filling.

Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine orange juice, zest, chopped cilantro, garlic, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge.

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil, then sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through—about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Warm the Beans

While the chicken cooks, heat your beans in a small saucepan with a pinch of salt, cumin, and garlic powder. You can also add a bit of the chicken marinade (just the liquid portion) for extra flavor.

Prepare the Rice

Make your rice (if it’s not already cooked) and fluff it with a fork. Add a handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime or orange juice if you like it zesty.

Assemble the Dish

Scoop rice into bowls, top with sliced chicken, and spoon over the warm beans. Drizzle with any leftover pan juices and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.

Serve and Enjoy

This dish is meant to be enjoyed warm and fresh—but it’s just as tasty cold from the fridge the next day. Dig in and enjoy the bold, fresh flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~450–550 (depending on cut of chicken and amount of rice/beans)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)

How to Serve Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

Bowl-Style
Serve it burrito bowl-style with chopped avocado, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for a fresh twist.

Wrap It Up
Tuck the chicken, rice, and beans into a warm tortilla for a handheld option.

Add a Creamy Element
A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema takes it over the top.

Pair with Roasted Veggies
Roasted bell peppers, corn, or sweet potatoes would be amazing alongside this dish.

Make It a Party Platter
Serve everything separately and let everyone build their own bowl—great for entertaining or picky eaters!

Additional Tips

Let the Chicken Rest
Don’t skip the resting step after cooking—the juices will redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.

Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor
If you have time, let the chicken marinate for a few hours—it really boosts the citrusy goodness.

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
They’re more forgiving than breasts and stay moist even if slightly overcooked.

Add Heat
Want some spice? Add a minced jalapeño to the marinade or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish.

Make it Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or roasted cauliflower and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, but fresh orange juice gives a brighter, more natural flavor. If using bottled, go for 100% juice without added sugar.

Q2: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
A2: Absolutely! Grilled chicken works beautifully with this recipe—just marinate and toss it on the grill.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You can freeze the chicken and beans separately for up to 2 months. Cook fresh rice when ready to serve.

Q5: What type of rice works best?
A5: White, brown, or even jasmine rice all work well. For extra flavor, cook your rice in broth instead of water.

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?
A6: Yes! Marinate the chicken and prep the rice and beans in advance. Cook the chicken just before serving.

Q7: Is this dish spicy?
A7: Not by default, but you can easily spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Q8: Can I use canned beans?
A8: Yes! Rinse and drain canned beans before heating them with seasoning for extra flavor.

Q9: What if I don’t like cilantro?
A9: Swap it for parsley or just use less—citrus is still the star of the show!

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just make sure your skillet or baking dish can handle the volume. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need a million ingredients to make something incredible. It’s fresh, it’s satisfying, and it’s full of those bold, sunshine-y flavors that brighten up any meal. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe’s got your back.

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