Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn Salad

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

Smoky grilled chicken marinated in chipotle and lime juices paired with a vibrant black bean and corn salad for a fresh, balanced meal. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes turns fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have char marks.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, in a large bowl, mix 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle salad mixture with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt. Toss gently to combine and let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chipotle-lime chicken alongside the black bean and corn salad, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn Salad?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn 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.

Is Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean and Corn Salad 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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