Amazing Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Fiesta Delight

Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of spices dancing in the air, as succulent chicken simmers away, creating a symphony of flavors. These Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls are not just meals; they’re an invitation to a fiesta right in your own home. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.

this Recipe for Later

Picture this: it’s a sunny Sunday afternoon, and you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and black beans, paired with juicy chicken, make this dish perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in.

I still remember the first time I served these bowls at a family gathering—everyone was raving about how delicious they were!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts based on your crowd size; tender meat is key.

• Black Beans: Canned or cooked from scratch; ensure they are rinsed for optimal flavor and texture.

• Brown Rice: Use whole grain for added nutrients or go white for quicker cooking. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips and techniques recipe.

• Bell Peppers: A mix of red and green adds color and sweetness to the dish.

• Cumin and Paprika: These spices provide warmth and depth; don’t skip them!

• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and freshness; chop it finely before serving.

• Lime Juice: A splash brightens everything up—trust me on this one.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium helps balance flavors without overpowering saltiness.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for sautéing chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces while enjoying the colorful display. Rinse the black beans under cold water until they’re clean and ready to mingle.

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine brown rice with double the amount of water. Bring it to a boil, then cover and simmer until fluffy—about 30 minutes for brown rice.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides—about 7-8 minutes per side should do it.

Add Flavor Town!: Toss in the bell peppers when the chicken is halfway done cooking. Pour soy sauce over everything along with cumin and paprika—stir until fragrant.

Mix in Black Beans: Once the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F), add those lovely black beans. Stir gently to mix all ingredients without breaking up the chicken too much.

Finish with Freshness!: Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything just before serving! Garnish with chopped cilantro for that extra zing—it’s like confetti for your bowl!

Now you’re ready to assemble those glorious Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls! Serve each portion over a bed of fluffy brown rice topped with that colorful mixture.

This delightful dish isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s about bringing joy to your table! So grab some friends or family and dig in—you’ve earned it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While it marinates, cook the rice and prep the beans. Sear the chicken until golden before adding it back with beans to finish cooking together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out black beans for kidney beans or add some corn for sweetness. A sprinkle of lime juice right before serving can enhance all those tropical flavors beautifully.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, microwave on medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.

The first time I made this Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowl, my friends declared me a culinary genius! They devoured every last bit and insisted I make it again—definitely a win in my book!

FAQ

Can I prepare Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare rice in advance for quick assembly later.

What can I use instead of black beans?

Pinto beans or chickpeas work great as alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after flavors meld overnight in the fridge.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Aliza
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls are a flavorful, vibrant dish that brings the taste of Havana to your kitchen. With tender chicken, hearty black beans, and colorful bell peppers, this recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Begin by marinating the chicken with cumin and paprika for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the brown rice in a saucepan with double the amount of water until fluffy (about 30 minutes).
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté seasoned chicken for 7–8 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Add chopped bell peppers halfway through cooking the chicken; pour in soy sauce and stir until fragrant.
5. Once cooked through (165°F internal temperature), mix in rinsed black beans and gently combine.
6. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 75mg