If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and leaves you feeling both nourished and delighted, this Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances the zesty brightness of orange and lime with fragrant cilantro and a hint of smoky spices, all tied together by tender, juicy chicken. Paired with comforting rice and seasoned black beans, it’s a wholesome, colorful meal that feels like a festive celebration on your plate. This recipe is as straightforward as it is stunning, perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special or a weekend gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe is how simple yet essential every ingredient is. Each component contributes a unique layer—fresh citrus for tang, spices for warmth, and beans for heartiness—creating a harmonious dish without complexity.
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice: This provides a sweet and tangy base that brightens the marinade.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice: Adds an extra punch of acidity to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic deepens flavor with its aromatic and slightly spicy notes.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbal zest that stands out beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth to the dish’s flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning all elements perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional): Just a touch to balance the acidity with natural sweetness.
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice: A comforting and neutral base that soaks up all the delicious sauces.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed: Provides protein, fiber, and heartiness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing beans): Adds a rich mouthfeel and helps infuse the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans): Enhances the bean’s flavor subtly and consistently.
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (for beans): Echoes the chicken spices for flavor harmony.
How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the fresh orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and honey in a bowl or a zip-top bag. Adding the chicken to this vibrant mix lets it soak up sunshine and spice for at least 30 minutes, though I love letting it marinate for a few hours if I have the time. This step is what infuses the chicken with that signature bright and fragrant flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s good and hot. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has those beautiful lightly charred spots. Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing—it locks in the juicy texture and makes it easier to serve.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
While your chicken is sizzling, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the drained and rinsed black beans along with garlic powder, cumin, salt, and a little pepper. Sauté the beans just until warmed through, around 3 to 5 minutes. This quick seasoning enhances the beans and ties their flavor perfectly to that of the chicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Plate
Divide your cooked rice evenly onto plates, then pile on the flavorful black beans. Top everything with the sliced, marinated chicken for a colorful and balanced meal that’s ready in just moments.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro atop your masterpiece and a few lime wedges on the side for squeezing. These final touches bring brightness and freshness that make this dish truly pop.
How to Serve Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves sprinkled over your dish add an irresistible herbaceous zing. A handful of lime wedges on the side invites guests to personalize their citrus kick as they like, elevating each bite with a spritz of tang.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty complete on its own, but you can round it out with something like a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables. The crispness and variety add an excellent textural contrast while keeping the meal light and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken and beans over rice bowls garnished with avocado slices and a drizzle of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess. For a fun twist, turn it into a burrito or wrap with some warm tortillas and a splash of your favorite hot sauce. This clever presentation transforms the familiar into something exciting without losing the delicious essence of the Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken, rice, and beans can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components together allows the flavors to meld even further, but be sure to keep any fresh garnishes or lime wedges separate to maintain their brightness.
Freezing
If you want to save this for a longer time, freeze the chicken, rice, and beans in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, and remember that fresh cilantro is best added after reheating to preserve its herbal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime to bring the dish back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, though chicken thighs tend to be more tender and juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the breasts.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 8 hours?
Not at all! While longer marinating deepens flavor, even 30 minutes will impart a lovely citrus and spice infusion. If you’re short on time, just aim for at least 30.
Can I substitute the black beans with another type of bean?
Yes, feel free to swap in pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas. Just adjust cooking times if needed since different beans have slightly varying textures.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has mild warmth from the smoked paprika and cumin but isn’t spicy hot. You can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce if you want to kick up the heat.
What type of rice works best?
Both white and brown rice work wonderfully here. Brown rice adds nuttiness and extra fiber, while white rice offers a softer, more neutral base. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress, give the Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe a try. Its bright citrus notes, fragrant herbs, and smoky spices come together in perfect harmony to satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to meal that feels both comforting and celebratory every time.
Print
Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked to juicy perfection, complemented by savory black beans and steamed rice. Infused with fresh citrus juices, garlic, and spices like cumin and smoked paprika, this recipe is a delightful and balanced meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
For the Rice and Beans:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for beans)
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin (for beans)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and honey. Add chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and lightly charred on the outside. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Sauté the Beans: While the chicken is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the drained black beans, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 3–5 minutes until beans are warmed through and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Plates: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four plates. Top each serving with the sautéed black beans and sliced cilantro orange chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro over the plated dish and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- You can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken works great for wraps or salads.
