Zesty Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans Recipe

Crispy, zesty cilantro orange chicken dances with vibrant flavors that’ll make your taste buds sing.

Every bite promises a delightful culinary adventure from mexico.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a bright, tangy marinade bursting with citrus notes.

Fragrant rice and hearty beans create a perfect complementary backdrop for this mouthwatering main course.

Fresh cilantro adds a green, herbaceous punch that cuts through the richness.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

You’ll want to savor each delectable forkful of this incredible dish.

Why Cilantro Orange Chicken Is Full of Fresh Flavor

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Blend zesty orange, aromatic cilantro, and warm cumin create a tantalizing taste profile that elevates classic chicken.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple skillet searing and pan sauce method, perfect for home chefs wanting impressive meals.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combines lean protein, hearty beans, and nutrient-rich rice for a balanced, satisfying meal that keeps energy levels high.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions like adding jalapeños, switching protein, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences.

Ingredients for Cilantro Orange Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein of the dish.

• Oranges, Cilantro: Provide bright, fresh flavors and a zesty marinade for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Cumin: Essential spices and oil that create a well-balanced marinade.
• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and moisture when cooking the rice.

• White Rice: A fluffy and neutral base that complements the flavorful chicken.
• Black Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the dish.

How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken at Home

Step 1: Prepare Vibrant Marinade

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground cumin

Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with the marinade, ensuring every inch is covered. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to absorb the delicious flavors.

Step 3: Sear Chicken To Perfection

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Cook Fluffy Rice

Rinse rice thoroughly and cook in a separate pot using chicken broth. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Warm Black Beans

Drain and rinse black beans. Gently warm them in a small saucepan over low heat, keeping them tender and ready to serve.

Step 6: Create Tangy Pan Sauce

After removing chicken from the skillet, pour the remaining orange juice into the pan. Scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom to create a quick, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Assemble And Garnish

Plate the fluffy rice and warm beans. Slice the chicken and arrange on top. Drizzle the pan sauce over the dish. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Bring the dish to the table right away while everything is hot and the flavors are at their peak. Enjoy your culinary creation!

Smart Tips for Making Cilantro Orange Chicken Shine

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Let chicken rest at room temperature during marinating to help flavors penetrate deeply and ensure even cooking.
• Perfect Rice Technique: Use chicken broth instead of water when cooking rice to add rich, savory depth and enhance overall dish flavor profile.
• Keep Chicken Juicy: Allow chicken to rest after cooking, letting juices redistribute and preventing dryness when slicing.
• Build Layered Flavor: Scrape browned bits when making pan sauce to capture concentrated, caramelized essence from chicken cooking process.
• Quick Bean Preparation: Warm beans gently to maintain their texture and prevent mushiness while integrating them seamlessly into the final dish.

Fresh Flavor Combos for Cilantro Orange Chicken

• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the marinade and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished dish for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Replace cilantro with fresh oregano and thyme, swap orange for lemon juice, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese as a topping.
• Coconut Tropical Remix: Substitute olive oil with coconut oil, mix in some shredded coconut into the rice, and drizzle with a light coconut milk sauce.
• Caribbean Jerk Style: Replace cumin with jerk seasoning, use lime instead of orange, and serve with grilled pineapple salsa for a tropical flavor profile.

What Pairs Well with Cilantro Orange Chicken

• Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc complements the bright orange and cilantro flavors, cutting through the chicken's richness with its acidic profile.
• Enhance Mexican-Inspired Margarita: Freshly mixed tequila-based cocktail with orange liqueur mirrors the recipe's citrus notes and adds a festive tropical touch.
• Create Refreshing Cilantro Mocktail: Blend fresh orange juice, sparkling water, muddled cilantro, and a hint of honey for a non-alcoholic option that echoes the dish's herbal and citrus elements.
• Match Fresh Mint Iced Tea: Chilled mint tea provides a cooling counterpoint to the warm, spiced chicken, offering a light and herbal beverage that cleanses the palate.

Storing Cilantro Orange Chicken and Rice Like a Pro

• Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Portion cooled chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight, then warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Keep beans, rice, and chicken in different containers to maintain individual textures and prevent sogginess, allowing for easy mixing when reheating.

Cilantro Orange Chicken FAQ Roundup

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry during cooking?

Marinate the chicken for 20 minutes before cooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without overcooking. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps retain its moisture.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro?

Fresh cilantro provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1/3 the amount of dried cilantro if fresh is unavailable. The dried version will have a more concentrated taste.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they absorb marinade quickly and cook evenly. Ensure they are similar in size for consistent cooking.

Cilantro Orange Chicken With Rice And Beans Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 48-50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty cilantro orange chicken dances with tangy citrus and herbal notes, promising a Mexican-inspired feast. Succulent chicken meets bold flavors, inviting you to savor a memorable culinary journey through vibrant ingredients and perfect seasoning.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 2 oranges

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Grains and Legumes:

• 2 cups white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup orange juice

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Instructions

1. Zest and juice oranges, setting aside juice and zest for marinade.
2. Finely chop cilantro and mince garlic, combining with olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, orange zest in a mixing bowl.
3. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with marinade, ensuring even coverage, and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While chicken cooks, rinse rice and prepare in a separate pot using chicken broth, cooking for approximately 18-20 minutes until fluffy.
6. Drain and rinse black beans, warming them in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Remove chicken from skillet, letting it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Add remaining orange juice to skillet, creating a quick pan sauce by scraping browned bits from bottom.
9. Plate rice and beans, top with sliced chicken, drizzle pan sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
10. Serve immediately while ingredients are hot and flavors are vibrant.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative that stays tender during cooking.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to enhance deeper orange and cilantro flavor penetration.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for brighter, more authentic citrus notes compared to bottled alternatives.
• For gluten-free option, confirm all ingredients like broth are certified gluten-free and replace regular cumin with gluten-free spice blend.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg