Fresh Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I start preparing this zesty cilantro orange chicken recipe that combines vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

Bright citrus notes dance beautifully with fresh herb seasonings, creating a melody of taste sensations.

Tender chicken pieces absorb incredible marinade depths, promising a meal that feels both comforting and adventurous.

Small hints of sweetness from orange juice balance wonderfully against earthy cilantro undertones.

Each bite delivers a complex flavor profile that makes ordinary dinner feel extraordinary.

Rich beans and fluffy rice complement the main protein, turning this dish into a complete, satisfying experience.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new weeknight favorite that impresses without demanding complicated cooking techniques.

Why Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Is Bright And Bold

• Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe bursts with zesty orange and fresh cilantro, creating a vibrant meal that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish packed with exciting tropical tastes.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: Marinating takes just 30 minutes, and the entire cooking process is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend cooking with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Combining lean protein, hearty black beans, and aromatic rice, this meal delivers a balanced nutrition profile that keeps you satisfied and energized without complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Customization: The recipe allows easy adjustments for different spice preferences, and its colorful presentation makes it appealing to both adults and kids, turning dinner into a delightful shared experience.

Everything You Need For Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Chicken: Juicy meat that absorbs vibrant marinade flavors, best when boneless and skinless.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume with creamy texture, adds hearty richness to the dish.

• Orange Juice: Sweet and tangy liquid for marinating, helps tenderize chicken.
• Lime Juice: Bright acidic element that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb with bold, zesty taste, adds green color and aromatic quality.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides deep, savory undertone.
• Onion: Sweet base that builds foundational flavor for rice and beans.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that adds depth to both chicken and bean mixture.
• Paprika: Mild pepper spice with slight smokiness, contributes color and gentle heat.

• Olive Oil: Versatile cooking fat for sautéing and creating smooth marinades.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid for cooking rice, adds extra depth.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances all other flavors.

Steps To Make Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

Step 1: Prepare Marvelous Marinade

• Fresh orange juice
• Chopped cilantro
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Minced garlic
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the vibrant marinade. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to dance and infuse.

Step 2: Craft Delicious Rice and Beans

• Black beans
• Additional cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let sit covered off heat for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, patting dry with paper towels. Heat skillet or grill pan to medium-high. Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing.

Step 4: Create Gorgeous Plate

Spread rice and beans as a gorgeous foundation. Arrange sliced chicken on top. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves. Garnish with lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Serve immediately and enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Tips For The Best Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in citrusy cilantro blend for full 4 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavor profiles that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Rice Perfection Technique: Toast rice briefly before adding broth to enhance nutty undertones and prevent mushy texture, creating perfectly separated grains every single time.
• Temperature Control Mastery: Use meat thermometer to precisely check chicken's internal temperature, ensuring juicy, fully cooked protein without drying out delicate meat.
• Bean Boost Trick: Drain and rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium content and remove excess starch, resulting in cleaner, fresher bean texture in your final dish.
• Quick Flavor Enhancement: Squeeze fresh lime over finished plate just before serving to brighten entire meal and add zesty, vibrant kick that elevates all ingredients.

How To Store Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Properly

• Refrigerate leftover cilantro orange chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate chicken from rice and beans to maintain best texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Store components in different sealed containers to preserve freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
• Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave with a splash of orange juice to keep it moist and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing marinated chicken as the texture might change and become slightly tough.
• When reheating, ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.

Perfect Pairings For Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Zest Up with Crisp White Wine: Pair this vibrant cilantro orange chicken with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, citrusy wines complement the bright orange and herb flavors perfectly, creating a refreshing dining experience.
• Cool Down with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a simple margarita or paloma to match the zesty chicken dish. The tequila-based drinks echo the lime and orange notes, bringing out the marinade's tangy undertones while adding a fun, festive touch.
• Balance with Creamy Sides: Serve a cool avocado crema or Mexican-style sour cream on the side. These creamy accompaniments soften the dish's sharp citrus and herb profile, adding a smooth contrast to the bright chicken flavors.
• Enhance with Fresh Salsa: Prepare a quick pico de gallo or mango salsa to accompany the meal. The fresh, chunky salsa adds extra brightness and texture, elevating the overall taste of the cilantro orange chicken and complementing the rice and beans.

Ways To Change Up Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the marinade and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for an extra heat boost.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace cilantro with a mix of fresh parsley, mint, and basil to create a more complex herb profile that brightens the chicken's flavor.
• Tropical Island Remix: Swap orange juice with pineapple juice and add a touch of coconut milk to the rice for a Caribbean-inspired meal that transports your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Transformation: Substitute cumin with dried oregano, add crumbled feta cheese on top, and use kalamata olives in the rice for a Greek-inspired version of the dish.

Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans FAQs

• Why marinate the chicken in orange juice and cilantro?

The marinade helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with bright, zesty flavors. The citrus breaks down proteins, making the meat more tender and juicy while adding a refreshing taste that complements the spices.

• Can I use different types of rice for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with white rice, you can easily substitute brown rice, basmati, or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking times according to the specific rice package instructions to ensure perfect texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe is mild with a balanced flavor profile. The cumin and paprika add warmth without intense heat. If you prefer more spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning the rice and beans.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear.

Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cilantro orange chicken dances with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors, bringing bold citrus notes to your dinner plate. Succulent chicken pieces marinated in tangy orange and fresh cilantro offer a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Citrus and Herbs:

• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Rice and Beans:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant marinade by whisking together freshly squeezed orange juice, finely chopped cilantro, fragrant olive oil, zesty lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoky paprika, salt, and cracked pepper in a spacious mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag.
2. Submerge the chicken completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply, with a maximum marination time of 4 hours.
3. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic essence. Add rice and gently toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
4. Pour in the broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan, and cook according to rice package instructions until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
5. Fold in black beans and a sprinkle of cumin, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the rice mixture rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, patting each piece dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Heat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high temperature.
7. Cook chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing.
8. Artfully plate the aromatic rice and bean mixture, arranging sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper citrus and herb infusion.
• For gluten-free adaptation, confirm all ingredients like broth and spices are certified gluten-free.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Control spice levels by reducing or eliminating cumin and paprika for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg