Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and simmered in a smoky chipotle-infused black bean sauce, delivering a rich and slightly spicy Latin American flavor. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends olive oil, medium yellow onion, finely chopped, garlic cloves, minced 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon salt. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Step 4: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Remove from heat, drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce?
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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce?
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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce 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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Bean Sauce?
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.
