Black Beans, Chicken, and Rice
Description:
This hearty and flavorful dish is an adaptation of a recipe originally from Pillsbury, perfect for lunch or dinner. It brings together tender chicken, long-grain white rice, black beans, and a mix of colorful bell peppers, all seasoned with cumin and chili powder. The recipe is easy to follow, delicious, and packed with healthy ingredients. The melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro garnish give it a vibrant finish, making it a family favorite. In less than an hour, you’ll have a nutritious and satisfying one-dish meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients & Quantities:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 2 cups |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Green bell pepper, chopped | 2 |
| Yellow bell pepper, chopped | 2 |
| Red bell pepper, chopped | 1/2 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 |
| Black beans (drained, rinsed) | 3/4 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Fresh cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 566.1 kcal |
| Fat | 18.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 82.2 mg |
| Sodium | 583.8 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 61.6 g |
| Fiber | 9.1 g |
| Sugar | 2.7 g |
| Protein | 37.9 g |
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Prepare the skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of cooking oil to the pan, just enough to coat the bottom. Allow it to heat up until the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. -
Season and toast the rice
Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet. Stir in the ground cumin and chili powder. Let the rice and spices toast in the oil for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. This process will enhance the flavors of the rice and bring out the depth of the spices. -
Add vegetables and beans
Once the rice is slightly toasted, add the chopped green, yellow, and red bell peppers, along with the finely chopped onion and black beans. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the rice. -
Incorporate the liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir the mixture to combine the liquid with the other ingredients, ensuring nothing is stuck to the bottom of the skillet. -
Simmer the rice
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking, and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice is not fully cooked after 18 minutes, add a bit more water and continue to cook for a few more minutes. -
Fluff and finish
Remove the skillet from the heat. Take off the cover and gently fluff the rice with a fork to loosen it and separate the grains. Be careful not to mash the ingredients—just fluff gently. -
Add the cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the rice and chicken mixture. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into the dish. The heat from the rice will soften the cheese, making it gooey and delicious. -
Garnish with cilantro
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top of the melted cheese. The cilantro will add a burst of color and fresh flavor that complements the spices and richness of the dish. -
Serve
Serve the Black Beans, Chicken, and Rice hot. You can add extra cilantro or cheese to taste, and for a bit of extra heat, feel free to sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or add a dollop of sour cream on top.
Tips for Success:
-
Rice texture: For perfectly cooked rice, make sure the skillet has a tight-fitting lid. If your lid is not snug, the steam may escape, which could result in undercooked rice. You can also try using a piece of aluminum foil under the lid to seal in the steam.
-
Customizing the heat: If you enjoy spicier food, consider adding more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder to 1 teaspoon.
-
Substitute for chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or just use water. You might need to add a little extra salt to maintain the flavor.
-
Vegetarian version: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add extra beans or some sautéed tofu for additional protein.
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Extra toppings: This dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of toppings such as avocado slices, sour cream, or even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zest.
Keywords:
Lunch Snacks, Chicken, Long Grain Rice, Poultry, Rice, Black Beans, Beans, Meat, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Stove Top
