Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Beans

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

Tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh citrus juice and served with smoky spiced black beans for a vibrant, Latin-inspired meal. This latin american-inspired grilling ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Place 4 chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is juicy and charred at edges.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 1 finely chopped seeded jalapeño, sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 8-10 minutes until beans are heated through and broth reduces slightly, seasoning with salt to taste.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts atop a bed of spiced black beans, garnished with extra coriander if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Beans?

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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Spiced Black Beans?

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 Beans 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 Spiced Black Beans?

Latin American grilling 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.