Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet

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

A smoky, spicy skillet with blackened chicken and a medley of kidney beans and black beans. This southern us-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, drained kidney beans, drained black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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 Southern US cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat 4 bone-in chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tbsp blackened seasoning, pressing it into the skin.
  2. Step 2: Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 cup kidney beans and 1 cup black beans. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and the mixture is slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the beans are coated in the smoky seasoning.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet 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 Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet?

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 Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet 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 Two-Bean Blackened Chicken Skillet?

Southern US 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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