Stovetop Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a smoky chipotle sauce with hearty black beans and fresh cilantro, perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes turns boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed black beans. Stir to combine, then return chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stovetop Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 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 Stovetop Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Spicy Chipotle 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 Spicy Chipotle 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.

Is Stovetop Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans gluten free?

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

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