Zesty Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Recipe

Cooking a delectable cilantro orange chicken recipe sparks excitement in every kitchen.

Zesty citrus notes dance with fresh herbs to create a mouthwatering main dish.

The cilantro orange chicken brings bold flavor combinations that tantalize taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces soak up a bright, aromatic marinade that promises restaurant-quality results.

Perfectly paired with fluffy rice and hearty beans, this meal delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

Fragrant spices and fresh ingredients transform an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

You’ll be amazed how simple ingredients can craft such a stunning meal that everyone will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Get Ingredients For Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Orange Juice: Tenderizes chicken and adds bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh, herbal notes with vibrant green color and aromatic punch.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute seasonings and creates smooth marinade texture.
• Lime Juice: Adds tangy acidity and helps breakdown chicken proteins.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, earthy undertones with aromatic depth.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, smoky undertones with traditional Mexican-inspired essence.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle sweetness and rich reddish color.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps tenderize protein.
• Black Pepper: Introduces mild heat and complex spicy undertones.

• White Rice: Serves as hearty, fluffy foundation for the dish.
• Black Beans: Provides protein-rich, creamy texture with earthy undertones.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses rice with deeper, richer flavor profile.
• Onion: Adds sweet, caramelized base notes with aromatic complexity.

• Fresh Cilantro: Offers bright, herbaceous final touch.
• Lime Wedges: Provides optional zesty brightness and additional citrus accent.

What Tools You’ll Need For Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Large Bowl or Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for mixing and marinating chicken with zesty orange and herb blend.
• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking flavorful rice and beans with even heat distribution.
• Skillet or Grill Pan: Crucial for achieving perfectly seared and juicy chicken with beautiful golden-brown edges.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping fresh cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice chicken cleanly and chop herbs with precision.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavors.
• Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.

How To Make Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Craft the Flavor Infusion

Blend zesty orange juice, fragrant cilantro, smooth olive oil, tangy lime juice, minced garlic, warm cumin, smoky paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Submerge chicken in this vibrant marinade, letting it relax and absorb flavors in the refrigerator for a quick 30 minutes.

• Create Hearty Rice and Beans Bed

Sizzle diced onions in olive oil until golden and soft. Toss rice into the pan, stirring gently. Pour in broth, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until rice reaches perfect tenderness. Fold in black beans and a dash of cumin, seasoning to taste. Let the mixture rest, allowing flavors to mingle.

• Transform Chicken into Culinary Magic

Pull chicken from marinade and pat dry. Fire up a skillet to medium-high heat. Sear chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and reaches perfect internal temperature. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing.

• Build Your Delicious Masterpiece

Spread rice and beans on plate, crown with succulent chicken slices. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves and add a bright lime wedge for an extra flavor punch.

Ideas To Change Up Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Perfect Marinating Tricks: Let chicken soak up marinade for maximum flavor, with longer marinating times (up to 4 hours) delivering more intense citrus and herb notes.
• No-Fail Chicken Cooking Hack: Pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, which keeps meat tender and juicy.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Swap regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the entire dish gluten-free without losing delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the zesty marinade's incredible taste while creating a plant-based alternative.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra chicken and rice to create quick lunch bowls for the next day, storing components separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

Ways To Serve Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Tropical Vacation Plate: Transform your dish into a mini Caribbean getaway by adding sliced avocado and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for creamy and crunchy texture.
• Fresh Fiesta Garnish: Chop extra fresh cilantro and mix with diced red onions and jalapeños to create a zesty topping that adds bright colors and punchy flavors to the chicken.
• Citrus Drizzle Finish: Whisk together remaining orange juice with a touch of honey and olive oil to create a light, glossy sauce that can be drizzled over the chicken for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.
• Protein Power Option: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or black beans to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly and provide alternative protein choices for different dietary preferences.

Store Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans The Right Way

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Batch Prep Power: Make double the recipe and portion into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches during busy workdays.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated meals in microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to retain moisture and prevent dried-out chicken.

Vibrant Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro orange chicken elevates weeknight dinner with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Juicy marinated chicken mingles with aromatic rice and creamy black beans, creating a delightful meal that connects cultural culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Whisk orange juice, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl or resealable bag, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.
2. Chicken Marination: Fully submerge chicken in the marinade, coating each piece evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing ingredients to infuse deeply.
3. Rice Preparation: In a saucepan, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add rice, toasting briefly to enhance nutty flavors. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is perfectly tender.
4. Bean Enhancement: Incorporate black beans and cumin into the rice, seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the mixture rest, covered, to harmonize flavors.
5. Chicken Cooking: Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry with paper towels. Sear in a preheated skillet or grill pan at medium-high heat, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Plating and Serving: Spread rice and bean mixture on plates, top with sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and accompanied by zesty lime wedges for a vibrant, complete meal.

Notes

• Optimize Marination Time: Let chicken soak between 30 minutes to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption without compromising meat texture.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Toast rice with constant stirring and use appropriate oil amount to create non-stick base before adding liquid.
• Ensure Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy chicken without overcooking.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve perfect golden-brown sear and seal in marinade’s complex citrus-herb profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg