Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa

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

Tender chicken thighs pan-seared and served with a smoky chipotle black bean salsa bursting with fresh flavors and a touch of heat. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, rinsed and drained canned black beans into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.25 lbs) and season both sides with 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. Add chicken thighs and sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, in a medium bowl combine 1 cup rinsed canned black beans, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Stir to combine and season with 1/4 tsp salt if needed.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with the smoky chipotle black bean salsa for a fresh, spicy contrast.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa?

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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa 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 Sautéed Chicken Thighs with Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Salsa?

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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