Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad

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

Tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty cilantro and lime, served alongside a hearty black bean salad bursting with fresh vegetables. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh cilantro, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the black bean salad by combining 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro in a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve sliced grilled chicken alongside the black bean salad for a fresh, vibrant meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad?

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 cilantro from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad?

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 Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad 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 Grilled Chicken with Black Bean Salad?

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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