Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty bowl featuring grilled chicken, black beans, and seasoned rice inspired by vibrant Brazilian flavors. This brazilian-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to evenly coat and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice into strips.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro into the cooked rice. Fluff gently and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, divide the black bean rice mixture between 4 bowls, top with sliced grilled chicken, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the bowl.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Brazilian Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl?

Brazilian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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