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What Can I Make with Black Beans, Rice, and Chicken?

With black beans and rice, you can make a Sheet-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl—a complete, one-pan meal that combines seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and protein-rich black beans. This versatile combo works as a base for burrito bowls, grain bowls, and even burrito fillings, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Sheet-Pan Chicken Burrito BowlTop recipe

Sheet-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl

Seasoned roasted chicken and black beans over fluffy rice, topped with fresh salsa and lime crema. Everything cooks together on one sheet pan for an easy weeknight dinner.

28 min545 cal38g protein

Ingredients

  • •chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • •long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • •black beans, canned, drained and rinsed
  • •salsa (fresh or jarred)
  • •sour cream
  • •lime (1 lime, juiced and zested)

Steps

  1. 1Set the oven to 400°F and wait for the indicator light or beep, about 10 minutes.
  2. 2Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. 3Juice the lime into a small bowl and set aside. Zest the spent lime into a separate small bowl.
  4. 4Stir the sour cream and lime juice together in the small bowl until uniform; set the lime crema aside.
  5. 5Measure 1.5 cups of water and pour it into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Stir in the uncooked rice and salt to taste.
  6. 6Place the seasoned chicken breast in the center of the baking dish, pressing it slightly into the rice.
  7. 7Scatter the drained black beans around the chicken in an even layer.
  8. 8Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  9. 9Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 18 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water.
  10. 10Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully peel back the foil, watching for steam. The chicken should be opaque throughout.
  11. 11Lift the cooked chicken out of the baking dish using tongs and place it on a cutting board.
  12. 12Using two forks or a knife and fork, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces by pulling it apart along its natural grain.
  13. 13Divide the rice and black bean mixture evenly between two serving bowls, using a spoon to portion from the baking dish.
  14. 14Top each bowl with half of the shredded chicken, piling it in the center.
  15. 15Spoon 3 tablespoons of fresh salsa on top of each bowl.
  16. 16Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lime crema over each bowl in a thin spiral.
  17. 17Sprinkle the reserved lime zest evenly over the top of both bowls.

Why this works

Black beans and rice are a nutritional powerhouse, providing complete proteins when combined—they contain all nine essential amino acids. Rice serves as the neutral, absorbent base that soaks up flavors from seasonings and proteins, while black beans add earthiness, creaminess, and fiber. Together, they create a satisfying foundation that's naturally filling and budget-friendly. Flavor-wise, black beans have a subtle, slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with warm spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Rice acts as a canvas, allowing these flavors to shine while adding texture contrast. When combined with proteins like chicken or beef and fresh toppings (cilantro, lime, avocado), this duo becomes endlessly customizable. From a cooking perspective, both ingredients have similar cook times and can be prepared together in one pan or pot, making cleanup minimal. The starches in rice help thicken any cooking liquid, while beans release their starch to create a naturally creamy sauce—no extra effort needed.

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Frequently asked

Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Absolutely! Canned black beans are convenient and save time. Drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium, then add them to your dish in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. You'll skip the overnight soaking and long cooking time required for dried beans.

What proteins work best with black beans and rice?

Chicken, ground beef, steak, and eggs are classic pairings. For vegetarian options, try crispy tofu, black bean patties, or just load up on cheese and avocado. Each protein brings different flavors but all work harmoniously with the rice and beans base.

How can I add more flavor to plain black beans and rice?

Toast your rice before cooking it, season with cumin, garlic, and onion, and cook the beans in broth instead of water. Add cilantro, lime juice, jalapeños, and fresh toppings like avocado and sour cream for brightness and depth.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Cook the rice and beans separately, then store them in airtight containers for up to 5 days. Assemble with fresh protein and toppings when ready to eat, or store everything together (though rice gets softer over time).

What other dishes can I make with these ingredients?

Beyond burrito bowls, try burritos, tacos, stuffed peppers, rice and bean casserole, or a simple side dish for grilled meats. You can also blend cooked black beans into soups, dips, or use them as a base for fritters.

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