Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Bean Ragout
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served over a vibrant smoky black bean ragout with a touch of fresh cilantro. This latin american-inspired chicken (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, smoked paprika, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup black beans, cooked
- 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
- 1 small, diced yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside, keeping warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sauté 1 small diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cooked black beans, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin to the skillet. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and the beans absorb the flavors.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice for brightness.
- Step 5: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and serve atop the black bean ragout, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Bean Ragout 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 Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika 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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika 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 Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Bean Ragout 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Smoky Paprika and Black Bean Ragout gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.