Hey there, my friend 
. This cilantro orange chicken with rice and beans is about to become your new go-to meal. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is rich with a citrusy kick, and the rice? Oh, it soaks up all that goodness.
The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Let’s get started!
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet or pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Tongs
Important Info
- Servings: 4 plates
- Estimated Cost to Make This Recipe: Around $12 for 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 450 calories
- Cook Method: Stovetop
- Season: Perfect for all seasons
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Latin American-inspired
- Diets: Gluten-Free
How to Make Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Rice and Beans:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | Chicken breast or boneless drumsticks |
| Fresh orange juice | Store-bought orange juice (no added sugar) |
| Honey | Maple syrup or brown sugar |
| Soy sauce | Coconut aminos or tamari |
| White rice | Brown rice or quinoa (adjust cook time) |
| Black beans | Pinto beans or kidney beans |
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken to the pan, lower the heat, and let it cook in the sauce for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through.
- Cook the Rice and Beans: While the chicken simmers, in a separate pot, add rice, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and butter. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, then stir in the black beans.
- Finish the Dish: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving.
- Serve: Plate the rice and beans, then place the chicken on top. Spoon extra sauce over everything.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor. Store-bought versions can be too sweet.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Don’t skip the zest! It adds an extra punch of citrus flavor.
- If using brown rice, increase cooking time by 10 minutes.
- Make it spicy by adding chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
What to Serve with Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans
This dish is a full meal on its own, but you can make it even better with:
- A side of avocado slices
- A fresh cucumber and tomato salad
- Warm tortillas or crusty bread
- A refreshing lime or mango drink
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I like to serve this in a deep plate so the rice can soak up all that delicious sauce. If you have a squeeze bottle, drizzle some extra orange sauce on top for extra flavor.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is a great meal for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week. It also works well for summer cookouts because of its fresh citrus flavor.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you’re serving this within 2 hours, keep it covered to stay warm.
Refrigeration
- Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.
Freezing
- Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Store rice and beans separately in another container.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time to avoid drying out the meat. Chicken breasts cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce a day before and reheat it. The flavors will actually get better as they sit.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
You can leave it out or replace it with parsley for a milder taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not really. The red pepper flakes add a tiny kick, but you can leave them out if you want it mild.
Meta Description
Cilantro orange chicken with rice and beans is a juicy, citrusy, and savory dish made in one pan. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.