Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

There’s something truly special about a hearty meal that brings a family together, and that’s exactly what Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice does. I remember the first time I made this dish; the aromas filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. As the rich, earthy scents wafted through the air, my family gathered around the table, eager to dig in. This is not just a recipe; it’s a way to create memories and enjoy a moment of togetherness. With tender pieces of chicken, protein-packed black beans, and fluffy rice, it’s a comforting dish that satisfies both the body and soul.

What’s In This Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

When it comes to the ingredients for Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice, each one plays a vital role in creating an unforgettable meal. The star of our dish is the black beans, which are not only packed with protein but also add a creamy texture. The chicken adds heartiness, while the rice serves as a perfect base to soak up all those delicious flavors. Together, they create a balanced dish that is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice – Rinsed and soaked, this rice is the perfect foundation for our meal, absorbing all the flavors while remaining fluffy and tender.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and a delicious buttery flavor to the rice.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of each ingredient, balancing the dish beautifully.
• 2 1/2 cups water – Essential for cooking the rice to perfection.
• 2 cans black beans – These provide protein and a creamy texture, making them a vital part of our dish.
• 2 shallots – Minced for a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• 1 bell pepper – Minced (any color) adds sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing and infusing the vegetables with flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced for that aromatic kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro – Freshness that brightens up the dish.
• 1 teaspoon oregano – Adds earthy notes that are characteristic of Cuban cuisine.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin – A warming spice that deepens the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili spice – A bit of heat to spice things up!
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional) – For those who like an extra kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – A second seasoning for the beans.
• 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable stock – To add depth and richness to the beans.
• 1 tablespoon apple vinegar – Adds a tangy brightness to balance out the dish.
• 2 tablespoons cilantro – Minced for garnish, adding freshness at the end.
• Avocado Cream – A delicious creamy topping that complements the dish beautifully.
• Salsa – A fresh condiment to enhance flavor.
• Hot sauce – For those who like it spicy!

Step by Step Guide for Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

Cooking Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with incredible scents. Let’s walk through the steps together to create this amazing dish. Follow each step carefully, and you’ll see just how easy it can be to bring this wonderful meal to your table.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly when it goes into the oven. The high temperature will help create a beautifully roasted exterior.

2. Follow the recipe for Salsa Avocado Roast Chicken and roast the chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with the beans and rice, making it a cohesive meal.

3. In the meantime, cook your rice. Place a pot over medium-high heat and add in the butter (or olive oil). Once melted, add in the rinsed rice and sauté it in the butter for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.

4. Add in the salt and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot, allowing the rice to cook for about 30 minutes until all the water is absorbed, and the rice is tender.

5. If you’re using wild, black, or brown rice, make sure it’s soaked for 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help achieve the best texture.

6. While the rice cooks, start working on the beans. In a deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add in the olive oil. Once heated, toss in the minced shallots and bell pepper, adding a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies soften.

7. Add in the minced garlic and cilantro, sautéing for another minute until fragrant. The kitchen will smell fantastic!

8. Next, add the black beans, spices, and stock to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil. As it heats up, the flavors will meld beautifully.

9. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the beans to soak up all the flavors for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming luscious.

10. Finish the beans by adding in the vinegar and additional cilantro. Turn off the heat and keep the beans covered until you’re ready to serve.

11. For the finishing touch, make the avocado cream by blending the ingredients together until smooth. This creamy topping will elevate your dish!

12. To serve, place the rice on one side of the plate, the roasted chicken on the other side, and arrange the beans in the middle, overlapping both. Drizzle the avocado cream on one side, the salsa on another, and add a touch of hot sauce or sour cream for extra flavor.

Helpful Notes about Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

When it comes to cooking, a few extra notes can make all the difference. Here are some tips that can help you perfect your Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing.
• Freezing: You can freeze the beans and rice separately for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
• Serving Temperature: For the best flavor, serve your dish warm. The beans and rice can be reheated, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
• Garnishing: Fresh lime wedges and additional cilantro make excellent garnishes that enhance the flavor.

How to Enjoy Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

Serving Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some delightful ways to serve this dish:

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a citrus dressing complements the richness of the dish.
• For Lunch Boxes: Pack leftovers into meal prep containers for quick and healthy lunches throughout the week.
• During Family Gatherings: This dish is perfect for potlucks or family dinners, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.
• Seasonal Pairings: In warmer months, serve alongside grilled vegetables for a refreshing touch.
• Spice Levels: For those who enjoy spice, serve with jalapeños or a spicy salsa on the side.
• Storage Tips: Make sure to store leftovers properly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, and reheat gently.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice offers a delicious blend of flavors that warms the heart and satisfies the appetite. I encourage you to try this recipe and create your own family memories. It’s perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your loved ones. Give it a go, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing this dish!

Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice

The ultimate comfort food, Cuban Black Beans Chicken With Rice is a delicious, easy weeknight dinner that combines savory chicken, hearty black beans, and fluffy rice. Satisfy your cravings with this nutritious and flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Cuban

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Baking Sheet
• Large Pot
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice Rinsed and soaked
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Or olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 cans black beans Drained and rinsed well
• 2 shallots Minced
• 1 bell pepper Minced (any color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic Minced
• 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili spice
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon apple vinegar (or any tangy vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro Minced for garnish
• 1 Avocado Cream
• 1 Salsa For serving
• 1 Hot sauce For serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly when it goes into the oven. The high temperature will help create a beautifully roasted exterior.
• Follow the recipe for Salsa Avocado Roast Chicken and roast the chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with the beans and rice, making it a cohesive meal.
• In the meantime, cook your rice. Place a pot over medium-high heat and add in the butter (or olive oil). Once melted, add in the rinsed rice and sauté it in the butter for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.
• Add in the salt and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot, allowing the rice to cook for about 30 minutes until all the water is absorbed, and the rice is tender.
• If you're using wild, black, or brown rice, make sure it’s soaked for 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will help achieve the best texture.
• While the rice cooks, start working on the beans. In a deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add in the olive oil. Once heated, toss in the minced shallots and bell pepper, adding a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the veggies soften.
• Add in the minced garlic and cilantro, sautéing for another minute until fragrant. The kitchen will smell fantastic!
• Next, add the black beans, spices, and stock to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil. As it heats up, the flavors will meld beautifully.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the beans to soak up all the flavors for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce thickening and becoming luscious.
• Finish the beans by adding in the vinegar and additional cilantro. Turn off the heat and keep the beans covered until you're ready to serve.
• For the finishing touch, make the avocado cream by blending the ingredients together until smooth. This creamy topping will elevate your dish!
• To serve, place the rice on one side of the plate, the roasted chicken on the other side, and arrange the beans in the middle, overlapping both. Drizzle the avocado cream on one side, the salsa on another, and add a touch of hot sauce or sour cream for extra flavor.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing.
• Freezing: You can freeze the beans and rice separately for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
• Serving Temperature: For the best flavor, serve your dish warm. The beans and rice can be reheated, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.
• Garnishing: Fresh lime wedges and additional cilantro make excellent garnishes that enhance the flavor.

Keyword black beans and rice, Cuban chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, flavorful chicken dish