This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a flavorful and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner. The golden, crispy chicken is coated in a zesty cilantro-orange sauce that gives it a deliciously fresh and tangy kick. Paired with rice, beans, and optional homemade pineapple salsa, this dish is a tropical, vibrant feast with minimal prep.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Orange Sauce:

• ¼ – ½ cup cilantro, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, grated

• Juice of 2 oranges (about 4–5 tablespoons) + zest

• 3 tbsp brown sugar

• 3 tbsp avocado oil

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• 1½ tsp salt

For the Chicken:

• 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Wooden or metal skewers (optional)

For Serving:

• 1 pouch (8.8 oz) pre-made yellow rice (or homemade)

• 1 can (14 oz) refried or regular black beans

• 1-2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado (optional)

Directions

1. Soak Skewers (if using): Soak wooden skewers in water for 20-30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl. In a small bowl, mix together cilantro, garlic, orange juice, zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, vinegar, and salt. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let rest for 10-15 minutes (no marinating needed).

3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat the broiler and set the oven rack about 6 inches from the heating element. If using skewers, thread chicken onto skewers and place on a baking sheet. Broil for 12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, place chicken directly onto the sheet and broil.

4. Prepare Optional Salsa: Mix any remaining sauce with diced pineapple, mango, or avocado to create a quick tropical salsa.

5. Serve: Serve the chicken with rice, beans, and pineapple salsa. Drizzle with remaining sauce and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal (approx.)

• Carbohydrates: 38 g

  • Fiber: 7 g

  • Sugar: 15 g (from fruits and sauce)

• Protein: 32 g (from chicken)

• Fat: 20 g

  • Saturated Fat: 3 g (from avocado oil)

• Cholesterol: 120 mg

• Sodium: 900 mg

• Potassium: 850 mg

• Vitamin A: 500-600 IU (from cilantro and orange)

• Vitamin C: 45-50 mg (from oranges and cilantro)

• Calcium: 60 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

Why Choose Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans?

This dish is perfect for those who want a quick, flavorful, and well-balanced meal with minimal prep. The citrusy, fresh sauce is what makes this dish stand out, with the combination of cilantro, orange juice, and brown sugar giving the chicken a delightful, slightly sweet and tangy kick. The chicken becomes golden and crispy when broiled, making it a satisfying and flavorful protein source.

Pairing the chicken with rice and beans creates a fulfilling, balanced meal. You can make this dish even more vibrant and tropical by adding an optional homemade pineapple salsa, which adds a refreshing, juicy contrast to the savory chicken and rice. With the use of pre-made yellow rice and canned beans, this meal comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, with just a few simple steps that yield delicious results. Here’s how to make it:

1. Soak Skewers (if using):

• If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning while broiling.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.

• In a small bowl, mix together the cilantro, garlic, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt. Pour half of the sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat the broiler in your oven, setting the rack about 6 inches from the heating element.

• If using skewers, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers and place them on a baking sheet. Alternatively, you can place the chicken directly onto the baking sheet. Broil the chicken for about 12 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.

4. Prepare Optional Pineapple Salsa:

• While the chicken cooks, you can prepare a quick salsa by mixing the remaining cilantro-orange sauce with diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado. This optional salsa adds a fresh, tropical element to the dish.

5. Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 1-2 minutes before serving. Serve the chicken over a bed of rice and beans. Drizzle with the remaining sauce, and garnish with the homemade pineapple salsa if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Serving Suggestions

This Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences:

• As a Main Meal: Serve it as is, with rice, beans, and salsa for a filling, balanced meal.

• Tacos or Wraps: Use the chicken as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add a bit of the salsa and some lettuce for a fun, portable meal.

• With Vegetables: Pair it with your favorite sautéed or grilled vegetables to make it even more nutrient-dense.

• Top with Cheese: If you like, you can add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Customization Options

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to meet various dietary preferences:

• Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even other proteins like pork or tofu.

• Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the chicken before serving.

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your rice and beans for any hidden gluten ingredients.

• Vegan: For a vegan option, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and prepare it in the same way.

Conclusion: A Tropical and Flavorful Meal

Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings a tropical twist to your dinner table. With its crispy, golden chicken coated in a zesty cilantro-orange sauce, paired with rice, beans, and optional pineapple salsa, this dish is not only flavorful but also nutrient-packed. It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week. Enjoy this tropical feast and bring the flavors of the islands to your kitchen!