One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Rice

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

A wholesome one-pot meal melding tender chicken, fragrant cilantro, zesty lime, black beans, and fluffy rice for an easy Latin American dinner. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cut chicken thighs and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp chili powder; sauté for 5-6 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot, stirring frequently for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup rinsed long grain white rice and toast for 1 minute until rice is lightly coated with oil.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove lid and gently fold in 1 cup drained black beans; cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice.
  9. Step 9: Let rest covered for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Rice take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and 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 One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and 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.

Is One-Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken with Black Beans and Rice 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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