If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you will absolutely love this Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe. It combines tender, spiced chicken with hearty black beans, sweet corn, and colorful veggies all tossed in tangy lime juice, offering a beautiful balance of textures and tastes. Every bite bursts with that classic Cuban flair, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for sharing with friends when you want something both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe shines because of its simple but well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the fragrant spices that coat the chicken to the fresh, crisp vegetables that add brightness and color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for cooking the chicken to a golden perfection without drying it out.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a smoky earthiness that’s classic in Cuban cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika: Brings a mild sweetness and lovely color to the seasoning mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A subtle warmth that enhances the overall spice profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with mild onion flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a little kick for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brings bright, citrusy freshness to the chicken and later as a drizzle over the dish.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: The comforting, fluffy base that pairs perfectly with the bold flavors.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess, protein, and a touch of earthiness.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Sweet bursts of color and texture in every bite.
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Crunchy and vibrant, lifting the whole bowl visually and flavor-wise.
- 1/2 cup diced red onion: Gives a slight bite and depth of flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A fresh, herbaceous contrast that’s iconic in Cuban dishes.
- 1 avocado, sliced: Creamy topping that adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for garnish): To brighten and tie all the flavors together just before serving.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (for garnish): A final touch of smoky spice sprinkled on top.
How to Make Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Heat Your Skillet
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. This step ensures the pan is hot enough to sear the chicken beautifully, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 2: Season Your Chicken
While the skillet warms up, it’s time to give your chicken some love with the spice blend. Rub both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. This combination creates that signature Cuban flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the olive oil to your skillet and swirl it around until the bottom is coated. Place the chicken breasts carefully in the pan and let them cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked all the way through with juicy, golden perfection. The key is to avoid moving the chicken too much so you get that lovely sear.
Step 4: Rest and Slice Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making your chicken succulent and tender when sliced into thin strips.
Step 5: Prepare the Rice and Vegetable Mix
While your chicken is resting, combine cooked white rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion in a large bowl. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well mixed and evenly distributed, creating a flavorful and colorful base for your bowls.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Rice Mixture
Add the sliced chicken strips to the rice and veggie mix, then drizzle with fresh lime juice to balance the spices and bring a light citrus brightness. Toss everything gently to blend all those delightful flavors together.
Step 7: Assemble the Bowls
Transfer your vibrant rice and chicken mixture into serving bowls, getting ready for the final touches that make this dish truly irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish for Flavor and Flair
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, add slices of creamy avocado, dust lightly with ground cumin, and finish with a fresh lime juice drizzle to elevate each bite. These garnishes bring freshness, creaminess, and a hint of spice to the dish, making every mouthful memorable.
How to Serve Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro, avocado slices, a sprinkle of cumin, and a dash of lime juice as garnishes not only amps up the flavor but also adds layers of texture and vibrant color, making your bowls look as exciting as they taste.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a simple green salad or some crunchy plantain chips. They provide contrast and a little extra crunch without competing with the bold flavors of your Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish layered in mason jars for a fun meal prep option or create a casual buffet-style spread with various toppings like pickled onions, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco. It’s a perfect way to let guests customize their bowls and adds a playful element to mealtime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier and quick to enjoy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice mixture separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your bowls gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. Add fresh avocado and cilantro after reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but keep in mind it might change the texture slightly and may need a bit longer cooking time beforehand.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild heat from the chili powder, but it’s comfortably balanced with warming spices and lime juice. You can adjust the chili powder amount if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
Can I use other beans instead of black beans?
Yes! Pinto beans or kidney beans work well too, though black beans provide that classic earthy flavor that’s iconic in Cuban recipes.
What can I do to make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms, or use plant-based meat alternatives. Keeping the black beans and rice will ensure it stays hearty and satisfying.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
To slow browning, drizzle avocado slices with a little extra lime juice right before serving, or you can add them fresh each time you reheat a bowl.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe — it feels like a fiesta in your mouth without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s a bright, wholesome meal you’ll want to come back to time and again. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cuban
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls offer a vibrant and flavorful meal featuring juicy, spiced chicken breasts served atop a hearty mix of white rice, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies. Garnished with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime juice, this dish embodies a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and bright flavors with a quick, easy stovetop preparation.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade & Cooking
- 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 Bowl Mix & Garnishes
- 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
- 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 evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin, paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to build layers of smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- Add Oil: Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom for cooking the chicken without sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove Chicken: Take the cooked chicken off the skillet and place it on a cutting board to begin resting.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips for serving.
- Prepare Rice Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion to create a colorful, hearty base.
- Toss Rice Mix: Toss the ingredients gently until evenly mixed for consistent flavor in each bite.
- Add Chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips to the rice mixture, integrating protein and flavor.
- Add Lime Juice: Drizzle fresh lime juice over the rice and chicken mix and toss lightly to add brightness.
- Serve: Transfer the mixture into individual serving bowls ready to be garnished.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over each bowl for fresh herbal notes.
- Add Avocado: Top each bowl with creamy slices of avocado for richness and texture contrast.
- Sprinkle Cumin: Sprinkle a pinch of ground cumin over the bowls to enhance aroma and add a mild touch of spice.
- Final Lime Drizzle: Add a little more fresh lime juice over the bowls for an extra pop of citrusy freshness before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps it stay juicy when sliced.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lime juice can alter the taste.
- Leftover rice works well in this recipe to save cooking time.
- Feel free to substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- This dish can be customized with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream.
