Description
These Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls combine vibrant Cuban-inspired flavors with a wholesome mix of seasoned chicken, black beans, rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, this recipe features tender spiced chicken cooked on the stovetop, paired with a colorful blend of corn, bell pepper, red onion, and creamy avocado, all finished with zesty lime and cilantro for a refreshing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Rice and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Season Chicken: While the skillet heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt.
- Add Oil to Skillet: Once the skillet is hot, add the olive oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan for even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove Chicken: Take the chicken breasts off the skillet and place them on a cutting board to rest.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
- Mix Rice Ingredients: Toss the rice and vegetable mixture until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Chicken to Mixture: Add the sliced chicken strips to the rice mixture.
- Toss with Lime Juice: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice over the mixture and toss well to combine.
- Serve in Bowls: Transfer the combined mixture into individual serving bowls.
- Add Cilantro: Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh cilantro for a bright flavor note.
- Add Avocado: Top each bowl with slices of fresh avocado for creaminess.
- Add Spice Garnish: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cumin over the bowls to heighten the aroma and flavor.
- Final Lime Drizzle: Drizzle a little more fresh lime juice on top for extra freshness just before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Use fresh lime juice for best flavor; bottled lime juice can be used but may alter the taste.
- Rice can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated to save time.
- Frozen corn can be thawed quickly by rinsing with warm water before adding.
- Variations can include substituting brown rice for a whole grain option.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hot chili powder.
