One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans

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

A hearty one-pot chicken dish simmered with smoky chipotle peppers and tender black beans for a bold, satisfying meal. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes turns boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 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 over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1.5-inch pieces and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet along with 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 1 cup chicken broth. Stir well, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or warm tortillas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 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 Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Chicken with 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 One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Chicken with 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 One-Pot Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans?

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.

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