Irresistible Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe

There’s something magical about the aroma of Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls wafting through the house. Imagine tender, marinated chicken sizzling on the stovetop, while a medley of spices dances in the air, teasing your taste buds with promises of adventure. Mediterranean Veggie Bowls The sight of vibrant black beans nestled alongside fluffy rice creates a feast for the eyes, making you eager to dig in.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s a ticket to sunny Havana, where every bite is filled with warmth and joy. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests at a potluck, these Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls deliver comfort food at its finest—guaranteed to spark smiles and leave everyone asking for seconds. Lemon Dill Chicken Bowls.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering—my cousin’s eyes lit up as he exclaimed, “This is better than my last vacation!” Nothing beats that kind of feedback.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many you’re feeding; they cook evenly and soak up flavors wonderfully.
• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves; nothing beats that fresh garlic flavor when sautéed.
• Cumin: A staple spice in Cuban cuisine that adds warm earthiness; be generous.
• Black Beans: Canned beans are convenient and packed with protein; rinse them before use for better flavor.
• Long Grain Rice: Use this type for fluffy results; it cooks beautifully alongside the beans.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful varieties add sweetness and crunch; mix red and green for visual appeal.
• Onion: A must-have for base flavor; sauté until translucent for maximum sweetness.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; sprinkle it on top just before serving.
• Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime brightens all the flavors; don’t skip this!
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it enhances richness without overpowering.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop up the garlic, onion, and bell peppers so they’re ready to go—all about that efficiency!

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine diced chicken with garlic, cumin, lime juice, and olive oil. Let it sit for 30 minutes—this allows those flavors to really mingle.

Sauté Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell peppers until they soften and smell heavenly—about 5 minutes should do it. Ground Turkey Skillet.

Cook the Chicken: Toss in marinated chicken into the skillet once veggies are ready. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through—about 7-10 minutes will keep things juicy.

Add Beans and Rice: Mix in rinsed black beans and pre-cooked long grain rice into your skillet. Stir gently so everything combines well—let it simmer together for 5 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this garlic shrimp recipe.

Final Touches: Serve hot! Sprinkle fresh cilantro over each bowl and add an extra squeeze of lime juice right before digging in—it elevates every bite!

Enjoy your Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls with friends or family—they’ll feel like you’ve transported them straight to Cuba! Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. For more inspiration, check out this chicken burrito bowls recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. While it marinates, cook the rice and prep the black beans and toppings for efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for tofu or shrimp. Add some pineapple chunks for sweetness or extra veggies like bell peppers for crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Cooking this Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowl has become my go-to for gatherings; everyone raves about it and asks for seconds!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes! Just adjust cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I substitute for black beans?

Try pinto beans or chickpeas if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes great even after a few days in the fridge.

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Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls

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• Author: tastyfoodonly
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that transports you straight to sunny Havana. Juicy marinated chicken is sautéed with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, then combined with protein-rich black beans and fluffy rice. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, this dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at potlucks. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s comfort food that guarantees smiles with every bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 2 cups long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red and green)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. 1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine diced chicken, garlic, cumin, lime juice, and olive oil. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers; cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. 3. Cook chicken: Add marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (7-10 minutes).
4. 4. Combine: Stir in rinsed black beans and pre-cooked rice; simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. 5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cuban

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 76g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 80mg