Description
Zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken with a vibrant black bean and corn topping. A flavorful and easy meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 2–3 limes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, your preference)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the lime marinade over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to package directions.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, dice the red bell pepper and red onion. Prepare the corn.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Dress the Topping: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this dressing over the fiesta topping and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-450°F).
- Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-Frying: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill, skillet, or oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the Chicken: After the chicken has rested, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Dish: Place a portion of the fiesta topping on a plate. Top with the sliced chicken.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, and hot sauce, if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and hot sauce to your liking.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or tofu.
- Make it a Bowl: Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken over a bed of lettuce or spinach.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the chicken and fiesta topping.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping!
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Grilling Tips: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled.
- Pan-Frying Tips: Don’t overcrowd the pan when pan-frying the chicken.
- Baking Tips: To prevent the chicken from drying out when baking, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the baking dish.
- Lime Zest: For an extra burst of lime flavor, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the marinade and fiesta topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes