Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with every zesty, savory bite of Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. This vibrant Latin-inspired dish features juicy chicken marinated in freshly squeezed orange juice, lime, and plenty of herbs and spices, all served alongside the classic comfort of fluffy white rice and hearty black beans. It’s the kind of meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight, yet flavorful and festive enough to impress guests. If you need a winning dinner that balances bright citrus, punchy seasoning, and ultra-satisfying textures, Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans should absolutely be on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is how every ingredient serves a purpose—the citrus lifts, the spices add warmth, and the humble beans and rice soak up all that flavor. Let’s break down what you need and why each addition is key.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and soaks up marinade flavors beautifully; thighs are also forgiving to cook, staying moist every time.
- Fresh orange juice: The natural sweetness pairs perfectly with savory spices, giving the chicken a sunny, citrusy punch.
- Lime juice: Adds the perfect tang and helps tenderize the chicken, creating balance in the marinade.
- Orange zest: Don’t skip this! Zest adds vibrant oils that intensify the orange aroma and flavor.
- Minced garlic: Brings a bold, aromatic note that rounds out all the fresh citrus flavors.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Herby brightness both in the marinade and as a garnish makes every bite taste fresher.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy, it adds depth and a Latin flair to both the chicken and the beans.
- Chili powder: Offers a smoky background and gentle heat that ties together all the ingredients.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors—don’t be shy!
- Black pepper: Adds just enough bite to wake up the marinade.
- Olive oil: Helps infuse and lock in the flavors, and ensures a lovely golden sear when cooking.
- Cooked white rice: The classic, pillowy base that absorbs every last drop of saucy, citrusy goodness.
- Canned black beans (drained & rinsed): Creamy and hearty, these offer protein and texture, making the dish extra satisfying.
- Chopped red onion: Offers a crisp bite and pop of color to the rice and beans mixture—simply irresistible.
- Lime wedges & extra cilantro for garnish: The final bright, fresh flourish! Squeeze and scatter as you please.
How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a large bowl or zip-top bag. This flavorful marinade is the secret behind the irresistible character of Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Let them rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those bright and bold juices—if you have time, an overnight stretch makes it even better.
Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill or sear the chicken thighs for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until you see gorgeous browning and the chicken is cooked through. Resist the urge to move them around too much—letting them sit ensures that deep caramelized flavor we crave in this dish.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause allows the juices to settle, so every bite of your Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans will be irresistibly tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice and Beans
While the chicken is resting, combine the cooked white rice with drained and rinsed black beans and the chopped red onion. Warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring just until everything is heated through, and the flavors mingle. This classic combo is the hearty bed that holds up all the saucy citrus chicken on top.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To finish, divide the rice and beans among four plates, fan those juicy chicken slices generously over the top, and have fun with garnishes: fresh lime wedges and extra cilantro not only make the plate stunning, but add that pop of zingy freshness that ties Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans all together.
How to Serve Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans
Garnishes
A well-chosen garnish does more than just make your dish pretty—it amplifies flavor and adds a burst of freshness. Shower the plate with plenty of chopped cilantro and tuck in a few lime wedges for squeezing over the top. If you’re feeling bold, thinly sliced jalapeños or diced avocado also work beautifully with Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with crisp green salads, sweet roasted plantains, or sautéed vegetables like peppers and zucchini for a full Latin-inspired feast. A pile of warm tortillas is never a bad idea either, letting you scoop up bits of chicken, rice, and beans for the ultimate bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Take Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans beyond the dinner plate! Try assembling everything into a big, abundant bowl for a modern twist, or serve family-style on a platter. For a fun, interactive meal, build a taco or burrito station and let everyone fill tortillas with their favorite toppings—add queso fresco, pickled onions, or a dash of hot sauce for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken separate from the rice and beans if you can—this helps preserve the best texture and makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing
If you’d like to prep ahead, both the cooked chicken and the rice and bean mixture freeze well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip bags, press out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For best flavor and juiciness, reheat Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, splashing a bit of water or extra orange juice to keep everything moist. If reheating from frozen, always thaw first for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well for Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans—just remember to adjust the cook time, as breasts may cook quicker than thighs. Keep an eye out so they stay juicy and don’t dry out.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
The easiest way is to use a microplane or fine grater. Wash the orange first, then gently grate only the bright outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest adds so much aromatic flavor to the marinade.
Can I make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans in advance?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and even make the rice and beans a day early. Store everything separately in the fridge, then cook and warm just before serving for a fresh-tasting meal.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add a minced jalapeño or even a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh chili or pickled jalapeño over the finished dish for a spicy kick.
Is Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you’re using certified gluten-free ingredients for your rice and spices. It’s a great option for sharing at gatherings where dietary needs vary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans enough for those nights when you crave something fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor. It’s a dish that brings a bit of sunny brightness to your kitchen, and I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do. Give it a try—you may just find a new staple for your dinner table!
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Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans recipe is a flavor-packed dish with zesty citrus notes and savory grilled chicken served over a bed of rice and beans. It’s a vibrant and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a Latin-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Chicken and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- Lime wedges and extra cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare Rice and Beans: Warm black beans, mix with cooked rice and red onion.
- Serve: Divide rice and beans among plates, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.
Notes
- For added spice, include a minced jalapeño in the marinade.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead, adjusting cook time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Latin-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
