Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl. This hearty dish combines tender strips of boneless chicken breast with soft black beans, aromatic spices, and a hint of balsamic vinegar, all served on a bed of fluffy white rice. It's easy to make, perfect for a weeknight family dinner, and a delightful choice to share with friends. With a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and savory goodness, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 pinch (None)
Large onion
1 (Chopped)
Garlic
4-5 cloves (Chopped)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Cut into strips)
Dried oregano
2 teaspoons (Divided)
Ground cumin
2 teaspoons (Divided)
Canned black beans
2 (16 ounce) cans (Undrained)
Sliced pimientos
1 (4 ounce) jar (None)
Salt
To taste (None)
Black pepper
To taste (None)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (None)
Chicken broth
3 cups (None)
White rice
1 1/2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and let them sizzle for a few seconds to infuse the oil.
2
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken strips to the pan. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in 1 teaspoon of oregano and 1 teaspoon of cumin, mixing well, and let it simmer for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
5
Pour in the undrained black beans and sliced pimientos, along with the remaining spices and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6
Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and reseason with salt and pepper if needed.
7
While the bean mixture is simmering, bring the chicken broth to a boil in a separate pot. Add the white rice, stir once, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and has absorbed all the liquid.
8
To serve, scoop a generous portion of rice onto each plate and top with the savory chicken and black bean mixture. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken dish?
The dish is called the Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary proteins in this meal?
The primary proteins are boneless skinless chicken breasts and black beans.
How long should the chicken and bean mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to blend the flavors.
Should I drain the liquid from the canned black beans?
No, you should use two 16-ounce cans of undrained black beans for this recipe.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The 4 chicken breasts should be cut into thin strips.
What liquid is recommended for cooking the rice?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice.
How much white rice is needed for this bowl?
You will need 1.5 cups of white rice.
What kind of vinegar is used for seasoning?
Three tablespoons of balsamic vinegar are used to add a savory depth to the dish.
How many cloves of garlic are included?
The recipe calls for 4 to 5 chopped garlic cloves.
Which dried spices are used in the mixture?
The recipe uses dried oregano, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes.
How do I begin the cooking process?
Start by heating olive oil and sizzling red pepper flakes in a large pan.
How long do the onion and garlic need to sauté?
Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
How long does it take to cook the chicken strips?
The chicken strips take about 5 to 7 minutes to cook through until no longer pink.
What is the cook time for the white rice?
The rice takes 20 minutes to simmer on low heat once covered.
What role do pimientos play in the recipe?
One 4-ounce jar of sliced pimientos adds flavor and color to the bean mixture.
Is this rice bowl spicy?
It has a slight heat from a pinch of red pepper flakes, though this can be adjusted.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with another meat?
Yes, chicken thighs or even turkey strips would work well in this recipe.
Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you must adjust the liquid amount and increase the cooking time as required for brown rice.
How do you plate this dish?
Scoop a portion of fluffy rice onto a plate and top it with the chicken and bean mixture.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is the Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced meal featuring lean protein and fiber-rich beans.
What size onion should be used?
Use one large onion that has been chopped.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, the flavors hold up well and can be even better after the ingredients meld.
Can I use water if I don't have chicken broth?
Water can be used, but chicken broth is preferred for a more flavorful rice base.
How much oregano and cumin are required in total?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried oregano and 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Should the pan be covered while the beans simmer?
No, the mixture should simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
What is a good substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar is a suitable alternative if balsamic vinegar is unavailable.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is an easy-to-follow dish perfect for a simple family dinner.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.