Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Bean Salad

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in fresh citrus juices paired with a vibrant black bean salad accented by smoky spices and fresh herbs. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, fresh 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: 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 juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño.
  5. Step 5: Toss the black bean mixture with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined and flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken over a bed of the spiced black bean salad, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Bean 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 Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced 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 Spiced 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.

Is Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Bean 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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