Description
Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish combining juicy, citrus-infused chicken with seasoned rice and hearty beans. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this meal balances fresh herbs, tangy sweetness, and rich protein in a colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Beans
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Extra orange zest
- Orange wedges
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade infuses the chicken with bright, tangy flavors that form the heart of the dish.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or preferably up to 2 hours, in the refrigerator to absorb all the citrus and herb goodness.
- Cook the Rice and Beans: While the chicken marinates, cook your rice according to package directions. In a separate pan, sauté diced onion and garlic in olive oil, add drained beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and warm through until fragrant and combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest briefly before slicing to retain its juices.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate a scoop of rice alongside a generous helping of beans, top with sliced cilantro orange chicken, and garnish with extra fresh cilantro and orange wedges for brightness.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer (overnight) for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use fresh citrus and herbs for vibrant flavors.
- Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Toast spices before adding to the beans for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to improve juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Latin-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: cilantro orange chicken, rice and beans, citrus chicken, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner, gluten-free, high protein