Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Mexican-inspired meal with tender shredded chicken, black beans, and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with fresh avocado and lime. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground chicken, (drained) black beans, (corn or flour) tortillas 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  3. Step 3: Mix in 15 oz drained black beans and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Divide the chicken and bean mixture into 8 portions. Top each with 1/4 cup grated cheddar, sliced avocado, and a lime wedge. Fold and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 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 Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?

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 ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?

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 Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos 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 Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos 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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