Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

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

Tender shredded chicken mixed with spicy black beans, avocado, and lime, wrapped in warm tortillas for a quick and flavorful meal. This mexican-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, black beans, tortillas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, and salt/pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked. Shred with two forks.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mash 15 oz drained black beans with 1/4 cup lime juice, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/4 tsp cumin, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Mix into shredded chicken.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Divide the chicken-black bean mixture among tortillas. Top with 1/4 avocado slice, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Zesty 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty 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 Zesty 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.

Is Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos vegetarian-friendly?

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

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