Stovetop Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Black Beans
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 pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 peppers, chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 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 1.5 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.
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?
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 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.
