Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean Salsa
Smoky chipotle-marinated grilled chicken pairs perfectly with a zesty black bean and corn salsa for a vibrant, protein-packed meal. This mexican-inspired chicken (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends fresh lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 peppers, 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
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (fresh or frozen, thawed) corn kernels
- 1 small, diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 small, seeded and minced jalapeño pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil for salsa
- 1/2 tsp salt for salsa
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 minced chipotle peppers, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp salt to create the marinade. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare salsa: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup drained black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 small diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño pepper. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Stir gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have light char marks.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Serve topped with the black bean and corn salsa for a smoky, tangy balance.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Black Bean Salsa?
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 Salsa 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 Salsa high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
