One-Pot Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili
A hearty one-pot chili combining smoky BBQ chicken with black beans and bold Texas flavors for a filling, comforting meal. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 14 oz can canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups cooked or 1 15-oz can drained and rinsed black beans
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped (for garnish) fresh cilantro
- optional, for serving sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, searing for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, and 1 tbsp chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 4: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 2 cups cooked black beans, and 2 cups low sodium chicken broth. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes over low heat until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir well and simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili?
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 Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili?
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 Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Texas BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Chili?
American one pot 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.
