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Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans


  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 55 minutes55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Orange Cilantro Sauce:

  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey (optional for sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Rice and Beans:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
  • 1 ¾ cups chicken stock or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

For Garnish:

  • Orange slices
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine orange juice, orange zest, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro to create the marinade.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Beans

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, to toast the rice slightly.
  2. Add chicken stock, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. While the rice cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Stir and cook for 5 minutes until warmed through. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels (discard the marinade).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Step 4: Make the Orange Cilantro Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the fresh orange juice, honey (if using), and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the chopped cilantro and remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. Place a scoop of rice on each plate, followed by a serving of black beans.
  2. Top each plate with a chicken breast and spoon the orange cilantro sauce generously over the chicken.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and orange slices for a vibrant presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with ½ cup rice and ½ cup beans
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 38g