Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
These Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos bring a delicious twist to your weeknight dinners! Combining tender, seasoned chicken with hearty black beans, vibrant corn, and a touch of heat from jalapenos, this recipe is as versatile as it is flavorful. Perfect for busy families, you can prepare this dish in just 15 minutes or allow it to simmer for longer to intensify the flavors. Whether you choose to serve them in soft flour tortillas or dress them up with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole, these tacos are sure to please. Enjoy the customizable nature of this dish that can be adjusted to align with everyone’s taste preferences!
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (cooked and chopped or shredded)
black beans
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
corn
1 cup (canned or frozen)
black olives
1/2 cup (sliced or chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (chopped (or 4 oz can of chopped mild chiles))
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for cooking)
chili powder
1-2 tablespoons (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
cumin
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
water
1/2 cup (to adjust consistency)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
tomato sauce
4-8 ounces (optional)
flour tortillas
4-6 (for serving)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
salsa
to taste (for serving)
shredded cheese
to taste (for serving)
guacamole
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and chopped jalapeno, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4
If using raw chicken, add the strips at this stage and cook until they are no longer pink in the center, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5
Add in the cooked chicken, black beans, corn, black olives, water, and all spices (chili powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, cumin, and salt). Stir well to combine.
6
Cook on medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and the flavors to meld. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary—aim for a slightly moist but not watery filling.
7
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding tomato sauce if desired.
8
Remove from heat and serve the mixture in warm flour tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
11
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Chicken and Black Bean Tacos?
They are a flavorful and versatile weeknight dinner combining seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and jalapenos served in flour tortillas.
How long does it take to prepare these tacos?
The dish can be prepared in as little as 15 minutes, though it can simmer longer to intensify flavors.
Can I use raw chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use raw chicken strips; cook them in the skillet until no longer pink in the center, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
Should I drain the black beans before adding them?
No, the recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of undrained black beans.
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use one cup of either canned or frozen corn.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe suggests two boneless skinless chicken breasts, either cooked and chopped or shredded.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from jalapenos and red pepper flakes, but the heat can be adjusted to your preference.
What can I substitute for a fresh jalapeno?
You can use a 4-ounce can of chopped mild chiles instead of a fresh jalapeno.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 150 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 11 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What spices are needed for the seasoning?
The spices include chili powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, cumin, and salt.
How do I adjust the consistency of the filling?
You can add 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency, aiming for a moist but not watery filling.
What is the purpose of the tomato sauce in the recipe?
Tomato sauce is an optional ingredient used to adjust the seasoning and flavor to your liking.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe recommends serving the mixture in warm flour tortillas.
How much onion is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How much garlic is used?
One teaspoon of fresh minced garlic is required.
What kind of olives are included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sliced or chopped black olives.
What oil is best for sautéing the ingredients?
The recipe suggests using 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for approximately 3-4 minutes until translucent.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Suggested toppings include sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and guacamole.
How much chili powder should I add?
Add 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder depending on your taste preference.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe recommends 1-2 teaspoons of cumin.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a customizable dish that can be adjusted to align with everyone’s taste preferences.
At what heat should I cook the main mixture?
Cook the mixture on medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes.
How much red pepper flakes should be used?
Use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes depending on how much heat you want.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried oregano?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many tortillas does the recipe yield?
The recipe provides enough filling for 4-6 flour tortillas.
When should I add the garlic and jalapeno?
Add them after the onions are translucent and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.