Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest Black Bean Salad
Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty citrus blend paired with a vibrant black bean and corn salad inspired by Tucson flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs orange juice, lime juice, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (for salad)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for salad)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1 can (15 oz) rinsed black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a large bowl.
- Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt, then pour over the bean mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are coated and flavors meld.
- Step 5: Serve grilled chicken sliced over a bed of the black bean salad for a balanced, vibrant meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest 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 orange juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Southwest Black Bean Salad?
Mexican 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.
