Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans
This Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans is a vibrant, flavorful dish that makes for a perfect meal for gatherings or busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in fresh lime juice and olive oil, this crockpot recipe brings together the sweetness of corn and the earthiness of black beans, creating a deliciously balanced meal. Simply prep it, toss it in your slow cooker, and let the flavors meld together for a hearty, satisfying dinner. Serve with warm tortillas, and top with creamy sour cream, fresh guacamole, or shredded cheese for an elevated taste experience. Perfect for meal prep, this dish can easily be frozen for later use, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal anytime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6-8 (none; place directly into freezer bags)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
limes
2 (juiced)
frozen corn
2 (16 ounce) bags (none; add directly to freezer bags)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
red onion
1 (finely chopped)
black beans
2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
cumin or dried chipotle powder
2 teaspoons (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped red onion, cumin (or chipotle powder), salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
2
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
3
Divide the marinated chicken evenly into two gallon-sized freezer bags. Add the frozen corn and drained & rinsed black beans to each bag.
4
Seal the bags tightly, shake gently to mix all ingredients, label, and place them in the freezer for future meals.
5
When ready to cook, place one bag in the crockpot and cook on 'Low' for 8 hours or 'High' for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
6
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks, and stir to mix with the corn and black beans.
7
Serve warm with hot tortillas and top with desired garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, and cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans?
It is a vibrant and flavorful slow cooker dish featuring marinated chicken breasts, corn, and black beans, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 to 8 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What goes into the marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped red onion, cumin or chipotle powder, salt, and pepper.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For maximum flavor, you should allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses two 16-ounce bags of frozen corn.
Do the black beans need to be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, you should use two 14.5-ounce cans of black beans that have been drained and rinsed.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many limes are needed for the juice?
You will need the juice of 2 fresh limes.
What spices provide the flavor in this dish?
Cumin or dried chipotle powder, along with salt and pepper, provide the primary seasoning.
Can I use chipotle powder instead of cumin?
Yes, you can use 2 teaspoons of either cumin or dried chipotle powder based on your preference.
How do I prepare this for the freezer?
Divide the marinated chicken into two gallon-sized freezer bags and add the frozen corn and rinsed black beans to each.
How long does it cook on the Low setting?
In a crockpot, it takes approximately 8 hours on the Low setting.
How long does it cook on the High setting?
In a crockpot, it takes approximately 4 hours on the High setting.
How do I know when the chicken is ready?
The chicken is ready when it is tender enough to be easily shredded with two forks.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
Once cooked, use two forks directly in the crockpot to shred the meat and then stir to combine with the other ingredients.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm with hot tortillas and topped with garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, or cheese.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically designed for meal prep and can be frozen in gallon bags for future use.
How many freezer bags does this recipe fill?
The ingredients are divided into two gallon-sized freezer bags, providing two separate meals.
Can I add extra vegetables to the mix?
While not in the core recipe, you can easily add bell peppers or additional onions to the freezer bags.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it features lean chicken breast, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped red onion.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
You should use 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
Does this recipe require a slow cooker?
Yes, it is designed as a crockpot or slow cooker recipe.
Is the chicken cooked before freezing?
No, the chicken is marinated and frozen raw with the beans and corn, then cooked in the crockpot later.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh corn cut off the cob would work as a substitute for frozen corn bags.
What are the suggested toppings for the finished dish?
Popular toppings include creamy sour cream, fresh guacamole, and shredded cheese.
Can I make this dish spicy?
To increase the heat, choose the chipotle powder option and add extra black pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Do I need to add liquid to the crockpot?
The marinade and the moisture from the frozen corn and chicken provide enough liquid for the slow cooking process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free; however, ensure your spices and tortillas are certified gluten-free if needed.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of minced garlic.