One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick and flavorful stir fry combining tender chicken breast with smoky black beans and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a busy weeknight. This mexican-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, cooked and drained black beans, small, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small diced yellow onion to the skillet, sauté for 2 minutes until the onion softens and garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup cooked and drained black beans, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the peppers are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, stirring to coat all ingredients. Cook another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, remove from heat, and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the top before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry?

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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry?

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 One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry 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 One-Pan Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Stir Fry?

Mexican stir fry 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.

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