Brazilian-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant bowl combining seasoned black beans, fluffy white rice, and grilled chicken marinated with Brazilian spices and lime. This brazilian-inspired healthy bowls (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, tablespoons 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: Warm 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
  4. Step 4: Assemble bowls by dividing 2 cups cooked white rice between four bowls, topping each with black beans, grilled chicken slices, 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, optionally adding lime wedges for squeezing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brazilian-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 min prep + 15 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-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken?

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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brazilian-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken?

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-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken 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.

Is Brazilian-Style Black Bean and Rice Bowl with Grilled Chicken gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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