Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Zesty Cajun-spiced chicken paired with hearty black beans, wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a satisfying taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, cajun seasoning, 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 medium, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1, cut into wedges lime
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet with chicken. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes until beans are warmed through.
- Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by spooning the chicken and black bean mixture onto each tortilla. Top with 1/2 medium diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?
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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?
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 Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos 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 Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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
- ★★★★★
Quick weeknight meal that was a hit. The spice level was just right for my taste.
- ★★★★★
Loved the fusion of Cajun and Mexican! The chicken was juicy and the beans were a nice touch.
- ★★★★★
My family loved these tacos! The Cajun spice was perfect and the black beans added great texture.
