Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed bowl with tender shredded chicken, black beans, quinoa, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing. This mexican-inspired chicken (vegetarian option) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken breast, black beans, canned and drained, quinoa, uncooked for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season 2 lbs chicken breast with 1 tsp salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups black beans, 1 cup quinoa (cooked according to package instructions), 1/2 cup red onion, 1/4 cup jalapeño, and 1/4 cup lime juice. Stir to mix.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup diced avocado and 1/4 cup cilantro. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Divide the mixture into bowls, top with shredded chicken, and drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl?

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 Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl 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.

Is Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Bowl vegetarian option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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