Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans

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

Marinated in lime and cilantro, paired with sweet corn and black beans. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch pieces chicken breasts, fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 35 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add 1.2 lbs chicken breast pieces and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup sweet corn kernels and 1 can rinsed black beans. Pour in reserved marinade and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant. Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (35 min prep + 20 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans?

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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans?

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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Sweet Corn and Black Beans?

Latin American 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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