Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe

Introduction

This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines zesty citrus with tender chicken and hearty sides. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors that will brighten up your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Juice of 2 oranges (about 4-5 tablespoons) plus a bit of zest
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
• Wood or metal skewers (optional)
• One 8.8-ounce pouch pre-made yellow rice (or make your own)
• One 14-ounce can refried or regular black beans
• 1-2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: If using wood skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning.
2. Step 2: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Position an oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler and preheat the broiler.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine cilantro, grated garlic, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt to make the sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Reserve the other half for later. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers if using, or let excess sauce drip off and place the chicken directly on the prepared baking sheet. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little more salt on the chicken.
6. Step 6: Broil the chicken for about 12 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Optionally, mix a bit of the reserved sauce with the diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado to create a fresh fruit salsa.
8. Step 8: Brush the cooked chicken with the reserved sauce. Serve the chicken alongside the prepared yellow rice, black beans, and fruit salsa for a bright and satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of broiling.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use homemade yellow rice with saffron or turmeric for a more natural taste.
• Serve with a side of fresh lime wedges to enhance the citrus flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken, rice, and beans in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Keep any fresh fruit salsa separate and add just before serving to maintain its texture and freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans for this recipe?

Yes, you can use refried pinto beans, black-eyed peas, or even kidney beans depending on your preference. Just heat them thoroughly before serving.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free yellow rice and check the labels on canned beans and other ingredients for any gluten-containing additives.

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 138 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty orange and cilantro sauce, then broiled to perfect golden-brown deliciousness. Served alongside fragrant yellow rice, hearty black beans, and an optional fresh tropical fruit salsa, this meal offers a delightful balance of savory and sweet with a bright, citrusy kick.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons juice) + a bit of zest
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Wood or metal skewers (optional)

Side Dishes

• One 8.8-ounce pouch pre-made yellow rice (or homemade yellow rice)
• One 14-ounce can refried or regular black beans

Optional Toppings

• 1–2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (for fresh fruit salsa)

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Instructions

1. Soak Skewers: If using wood skewers, soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes to prevent burning during broiling.
2. Prepare Oven: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Position an oven rack about 6 inches below the broiler heating element, near the top of the oven. Preheat the broiler on high.
3. Mix Chicken and Sauce: Place the cut chicken thighs into a large mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine cilantro, grated garlic, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt to create the sauce.
4. Marinate Chicken: Pour half of the sauce over the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly. Reserve the remaining half of the sauce for finishing later.
5. Assemble Chicken: Thread the sauced chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, or if you prefer, allow excess sauce to drip off and arrange the chicken directly on the prepared baking sheet. Optionally season chicken with a pinch of extra salt for enhanced flavor.
6. Broil Chicken: Place the chicken under the broiler and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through, with a golden, slightly charred exterior. Turn once halfway if skewered for even cooking.
7. Prepare Fruit Salsa (Optional): While the chicken cooks, combine some of the reserved sauce with diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado to create a fresh, sweet salsa accompaniment.
8. Finish and Serve: Brush the cooked chicken with the reserved sauce to add extra moisture and flavor. Serve the cilantro orange chicken with heated yellow rice, black beans, and your optional tropical fruit salsa for a fresh, juicy, and savory meal experience.

Notes

• Soaking wooden skewers is essential to prevent them from burning under the broiler.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts, but thighs yield more tender and juicy results.
• If you don’t have an oven broiler, you can grill the chicken on a barbecue or cook on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat.
• The fruit salsa is optional but adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
• Use avocado oil or a neutral oil to keep the flavor balanced and healthy.
• For a gluten-free meal, ensure your rice and beans do not contain any gluten additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: cilantro orange chicken, chicken thighs, marinated chicken, broiled chicken, yellow rice, black beans, tropical fruit salsa, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe