Name: Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked rice; Fresh cilantro for garnish; Lime wedges for serving; 2 tbsp oil for sautéing (assumed)

Description

These Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls are a vibrant and delicious meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breast sautéed with black beans, bell peppers, and onions served over fluffy rice. Enhanced with warm spices like cumin and paprika, and finished with fresh cilantro and tangy lime wedges, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors in just 50 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Beans

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasoning

1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Base & Garnish

2 cups cooked rice
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
2 tbsp oil for sautéing (assumed)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the diced chicken breast with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the meat.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
Add Beans and Bell Pepper: Stir in the drained black beans and diced red bell pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through and the bell pepper is slightly tender but still crisp.
Assemble the Bowls: Scoop cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the warm chicken and black bean mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the bowls and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top to add fresh citrus brightness.

Notes

Marinating the chicken enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time; just season before cooking.
Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber, though white rice works well too.
For extra spice, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
This recipe is easily doubled for meal prep or larger groups.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.