One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant one-pot chicken and black bean mixture seasoned with smoky spices, perfect for quick and flavorful taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb diced boneless skinless chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until the spices bloom.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the chicken and black bean mixture evenly onto the tortillas, garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and serve with 4 lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos 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-Pot Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?

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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?

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 Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos 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-Pot Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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