Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley

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

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts paired with a smoky chipotle black bean medley, perfect for a nutritious and flavorful weeknight dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes turns olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika 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 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder, pressing the spices into the meat.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is golden and slightly charred. Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/2 medium finely chopped yellow onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1 cup drained black beans. Sauté for 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the beans are warmed through.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lime juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for a bright finish.
  6. Step 6: Slice the chicken breasts and serve atop the smoky chipotle black bean medley, garnishing with additional cilantro if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Medley?

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.

Related recipes