6 Easy Steps To The Best Chicken Rice and Beans Recipe
Make this Chicken Rice and Beans Recipe with tender chicken, fluffy rice, beans, and simple seasonings for an easy and satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs — moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Rub them with cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the chicken — don’t crowd it. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden.
Step 3: Build the Base
- Lower the heat to medium. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic — cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Rice and Broth
- Pour in the rinsed rice. Stir it into the tomato-onion mixture so every grain gets coated. Add the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.Nestle the seared chicken thighs back in, partially submerged.
Step 5: Add Beans and Simmer
- Scatter the drained beans around the chicken. Cover the pot tightly, reduce heat to low, and cook for 22–25 minutes
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Remove from heat. Let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid without overcooking.
Notes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: ~580mg