Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served over a smoky red chile and black bean ragout, blending rich regional flavors in a hearty dish. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, smoked paprika, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium, diced 1/2-inch red bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced 1/2-inch yellow onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each), then season both sides with 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 diced medium yellow onion, and 1 diced medium red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp chipotle chili powder to the vegetables. Cook stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans and 1 cup canned diced tomatoes. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beans.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp lime juice for brightness.
- Step 7: Serve each chicken breast topped with a generous scoop of the smoky red chile and black bean ragout.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout?
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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout?
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 Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Red Chile and Black Bean Ragout?
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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