Need a meal that’s fresh, filling, and full of bold flavor? This Lime Cilantro Chicken with Mixed Rice and Black Beans hits every mark. It brings together juicy, citrus-marinated chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and hearty black beans in one well-balanced, craveable dish.
This is the kind of meal that feels like it came from your favorite café, but it’s easy enough to whip up at home any night of the week. The star is the chicken—tender and infused with lime, garlic, and fresh cilantro, then seared or grilled for a lightly charred finish.
Mixed rice keeps things interesting with texture and flavor. Combine white and brown rice or toss in some corn, diced peppers, or a bit of onion. The seasoned black beans add plant-based protein and earthy depth to round it all out.
Whether you serve this in bowls, meal-prep containers, or family-style, it’s always a hit. The components are simple, but together they create a satisfying, flavor-packed meal that’s great hot, cold, or anywhere in between.
It’s nutritious, flexible, and downright delicious.
Servings
4 servings
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the rice and beans:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (or use 2 cups of either)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
For serving:
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced avocado, hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl or zip bag, combine chicken, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- In a large pan, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn (if using), cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Heat through and stir to combine.
- Serve rice mixture topped with sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, or hot sauce.
Tips
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Use a grill pan to get those beautiful sear marks.
- Add heat with jalapeño or cayenne in the marinade.
- Swap proteins like grilled tofu or shrimp if desired.
- Meal prep friendly: keeps well and tastes great cold or reheated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s bright, savory, and packed with protein and fiber. Every element is simple, but together they deliver bold, crave-worthy flavor in every bite.
This Lime Cilantro Chicken with Mixed Rice and Black Beans is a vibrant, well-rounded meal that’s easy to prep, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying.
