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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels (discard the marinade).
- 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
- 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.
- Pour in the fresh orange juice, honey (if using), and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 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
- Place a scoop of rice on each plate, followed by a serving of black beans.
- Top each plate with a chicken breast and spoon the orange cilantro sauce generously over the chicken.
- 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