Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans
A vibrant sheet pan chicken dish featuring smoky spices and hearty black beans, perfect for a quick Tex-Mex inspired dinner. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoons smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into 1/2-inch strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 4 wedges lime wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
- Step 2: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on a large sheet pan, spacing them evenly. Scatter 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans, 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, and 1 medium sliced red onion rings around the chicken.
- Step 3: Roast everything in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender with slightly crisp edges.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the chicken and veggies. Serve with 4 lime wedges to squeeze over the dish for a fresh tangy finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans 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 Sheet Pan Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken with Black Beans?
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.