Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime Chicken with Black Beans
Fall-apart tender chicken simmered in a vibrant cumin and lime sauce with protein-packed black beans. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs skinless chicken thighs, (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans, chicken broth 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
- 1 lb, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2, juiced lime
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 small, diced onion
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add diced onion to skillet and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp lime juice, then pour mixture over chicken in slow cooker.
- Step 3: Stir in drained black beans. Cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender. Serve with rice or over greens.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime Chicken with Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime 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 skinless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime 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 Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime 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 Slow Cooker Cumin-Lime Chicken with Black Beans?
Mexican slow cooker 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best slow cooker chicken I've ever made. The black beans are a great addition. Served with rice and it was perfect.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the authentic Mexican flavors. The lime and cumin combo is perfect. I'll be making this again and again.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! The cumin and lime really brighten up the chicken, and the black beans add a nice protein boost. My family devoured it.
