Description
Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy citrus-marinated chicken with zesty cilantro, served over fluffy rice and hearty black beans. It’s an easy, wholesome meal with Latin-inspired flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (for beans)
Instructions
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and honey. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours).
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and lightly charred. Let rest before slicing.
- While chicken cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small pan. Add black beans, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until warmed through.
- Divide cooked rice between serving plates. Top with sautéed beans and sliced chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges if desired.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken the night before for deeper flavor.
- Serve with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- You can substitute pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeño slices or hot sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop/Grilling
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plated serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg