Grilled Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice

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

Juicy grilled pollo asada marinated in smoky spices served alongside savory black beans and fragrant cilantro lime rice inspired by Kansas City favorites. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 40 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until charred on edges and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced onion and 2 cloves minced garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1.5 cups cooked black beans and 1/2 tsp ground coriander to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, stir together 2 cups cooked long grain white rice with 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Fluff gently.
  6. Step 6: Serve sliced grilled pollo asada over the cilantro lime rice with a generous scoop of spiced black beans on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (40 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 Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice?

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 Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice 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 Pollo Asada with Spiced Black Beans and Cilantro Rice?

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.

Related recipes