Stovetop Chili Lime Chicken with Black Beans
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy chili lime sauce with hearty black beans for a flavorful, popular weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp chili powder to the skillet; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup chicken broth, and 3 tbsp fresh lime juice. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Chili Lime Chicken with Black Beans take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Stovetop Chili 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Chili 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 Stovetop Chili 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 Stovetop Chili Lime 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.
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