One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans

Introduction

Welcome to our One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans recipe! This delicious and nutritious meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and easy to prepare. With just one pan, you can have a complete meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Plus, the best part is that there’s minimal cleanup involved! Let’s dive in and learn how to make this tasty dish.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup of long-grain rice

– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 small onion, diced

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 2 cups of chicken broth

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

– 1 teaspoon of cumin

– 1 teaspoon of paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Beans

Add the rice and black beans to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine everything.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until it is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the rice is cooked, slice the cooked chicken breasts and place them on top of the rice and beans mixture. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

This One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are a few variations you can try:

– Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

– Add some diced tomatoes or salsa to the rice and beans mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

– Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top before serving for a cheesy twist.

– If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans turns out perfect every time:

– Use a skillet or pan with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and cook the rice evenly.

– Make sure to rinse the black beans before adding them to the skillet to remove any excess salt or brine.

– Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, peas, or diced zucchini to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.

– If you prefer a spicier dish, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add some diced jalapenos.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans is a fantastic meal option that is both delicious and easy to make. With just one pan, you can have a complete and satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Feel free to get creative with the recipe and add your own personal touch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use canned chicken broth?

Yes, you can use canned chicken broth if you don’t have homemade broth available. Just make sure to choose a low-sodium option to control the saltiness of the dish.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well, so you can portion out the leftovers and store them in the freezer for future meals. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Can I substitute the black beans with another type of bean?

Yes, you can substitute the black beans with kidney beans, pinto beans, or any other type of beans you prefer. The choice is yours!

One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Beans

Introduction

Ingredients