Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Beans

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

Pan-seared with smoky paprika and served atop a bed of spiced black beans for a flavorful, protein-rich meal. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs smoked paprika, ground cumin, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Latin American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly on both sides with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  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 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 small diced yellow onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup drained black beans and 1/2 cup vegetable broth, simmering for 5 minutes until the broth reduces slightly and the beans are heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve the seared chicken breasts on a plate over the spiced black beans, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Beans 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 Paprika and Black Beans?

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 smoked paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Paprika and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Beans 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 Paprika and Black Beans?

Latin American 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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