If you’re seeking a fresh, vibrant meal that bursts with color, flavor, and zest, you’ll absolutely love this Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. Tender chicken breasts soak up a citrusy, herb-flecked marinade, then are quickly pan-seared until juicy and golden. The tangy, slightly sweet chicken is joined by warm, savory black beans and steamy rice for a meal that tastes like sunshine on your plate. Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans pulls together pantry basics and seasonal ingredients for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in how every ingredient shines. Classic staples and a few fragrant, fresh touches come together for flavor that’s much bigger than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each is a must in Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans:

Chicken Breasts: Look for boneless, skinless breasts, which stay juicy in the marinade and sear beautifully.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a savory pop that deepens the marinade’s flavor.
Fresh Orange Juice: The citrus powerhouse that brightens the entire dish and provides that signature zing.
Orange Zest: Packs a fragrant punch and intensifies the orange flavor.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings vivid green color and an unmistakable herbal freshness to every bite.
Lime Juice: Balances the sweet orange with a little tartness and extra zip.
Honey: Just a hint to round out the tang and bring a delicate sweetness.
Ground Cumin: Adds earthiness and warmth that complements the lively citrus.
Smoked Paprika: For depth and a gentle, smoky undertone.
Salt and Black Pepper: Necessities for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Black Beans: Canned beans make this meal extra speedy, adding protein, fiber, and a creamy bite.
Cooked Rice: Either white or brown rice absorbs every juicy drop and makes this a true comfort meal.
Extra Cilantro and Orange Wedges: The ideal garnishes for a gorgeous finish and a burst of fresh flavor.

How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

Step 1: Whisk the Citrus Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, chopped cilantro, bright lime juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is where the magic begins! The mixture should smell absolutely irresistible, with the citrus and herbs taking the spotlight.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the vibrant marinade all over the chicken, making sure every piece is well-coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let the flavors meld for up to 4 hours for maximum juiciness and zest. This step infuses the chicken with all the lively flavors that make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans so unforgettable.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (let any excess drip off) and place it in the hot pan. Sear for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is beautifully golden and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F is your goal). The sizzle and aroma will have your kitchen smelling incredible!

Step 4: Warm the Black Beans

Once the chicken is done, set it aside to rest. In the same skillet—don’t clean it!—add the drained and rinsed black beans. Pour in a generous splash of the reserved marinade, then cook and stir just until the beans are hot and glistening. This quick step lets the beans soak up all that leftover flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

To serve, spoon fluffy rice onto each plate, slice the rested chicken, and fan it out over the rice. Add a scoop of those savory black beans alongside. Finish with a flurry of extra chopped cilantro and a couple of juicy orange wedges for a bright, cheery pop. Now you’ve built your own Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans feast!

How to Serve Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

Garnishes

Bring the colors and freshness front and center with plenty of chopped cilantro sprinkled over the top and a few orange wedges tucked alongside. If you love a little extra heat, thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce work beautifully too. The green herbs and sparkling citrus take Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans from homey to absolutely restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This meal is wonderfully complete, but a side of crunchy cabbage slaw, grilled corn, or sliced avocado does not go amiss. If you’re in the mood to feast, pair Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans with a simple tomato salad or warm tortillas for scooping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken and beans family-style on a big platter, with rice mounded up the center and chicken fanned across. For a fun twist, tuck everything inside warm tortillas for the best citrusy chicken tacos. Or, pile it all into a deep bowl for a hearty, mess-free dinner that anyone can dive into. However you plate it, Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans always looks gorgeous.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans holds up especially well for meal prep. Simply pack cooled chicken, rice, and beans into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keep fresh garnishes separate until serving for the best texture and color.

Freezing

The chicken itself is perfect for freezing. Slice or shred any leftovers, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Rice and beans can also be frozen separately if you want to build grab-and-go lunches in advance.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet or the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of orange juice if needed to keep things moist. Rice and beans reheat best covered, with a sprinkle of water to loosen them up. Add garnishes only after reheating for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and even more flavorful, making them a delicious substitute in Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. Just adjust cook time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

Bottled orange juice works in a pinch, though fresh orange juice and zest create the brightest flavor. You can skip the zest if using bottled, but if you have a lemon or lime, add a little extra zest from those for a fresh kick.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is not spicy as written. If you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or your favorite hot sauce to the marinade.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes! Grilling is a fantastic option. Grill marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through. The smoky flavor is a wonderful complement to the citrus and herbs.

Do you serve the extra marinade?

Never use marinade that’s touched raw chicken unless you cook it first. You can reserve a small amount before marinating, then drizzle lightly over the finished Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans for extra flavor if you wish.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard not to fall in love with the bright flavors and easy prep of Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans. If you’re craving a dish that’s both wholesome and lively, give this recipe a try and brighten up your dinner table tonight. Let the sunshine in and enjoy every zesty, herby bite!

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans recipe is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines zesty citrus flavors with tender chicken, hearty beans, and fluffy rice. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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For the Marinade:

1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken and Assembly:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Extra cilantro and orange wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, cilantro, lime juice, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Prepare the Beans: In the same skillet, add black beans and a splash of marinade, cook until warmed through.
Assemble: Plate rice, top with chicken, spoon beans alongside, and garnish with cilantro and orange wedges.