Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and Black Beans
Smokey-spiced chicken paired with caramelized corn and beans, capturing the essence of Tucson's Southwestern flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 425 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
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 15 oz can black beans
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer skillet to preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
- Step 3: Roast chicken for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Meanwhile, toss 1 cup corn kernels with 1/4 cup chicken broth and roast on a separate baking sheet for 15 minutes until caramelized.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse 15 oz can black beans, then stir into 1/4 cup chicken broth in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over roasted corn and chicken in skillet.
- Step 5: Drizzle with 2 tbsp lime juice and sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and 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 Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and 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 Sonoran-Style Chicken with Roasted Corn and 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mexican delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.