What Can I Make with Black Beans, Rice, and Chicken?
With black beans and rice, you can make a delicious Sheet-Pan Chicken Burrito Bowl—a one-pan meal that combines seasoned chicken, black beans, and fluffy rice into a satisfying, restaurant-quality dish. These ingredients also work beautifully in burrito bowls, rice bowls with steak or beef, and cilantro lime variations that are quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
Top recipeSheet-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.
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
- 1Set the oven to 400°F and wait for the indicator light or beep, about 10 minutes.
- 2Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides.
- 3Juice the lime into a small bowl and set aside. Zest the spent lime into a separate small bowl.
- 4Stir the sour cream and lime juice together in the small bowl until uniform; set the lime crema aside.
- 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.
- 6Place the seasoned chicken breast in the center of the baking dish, pressing it slightly into the rice.
- 7Scatter the drained black beans around the chicken in an even layer.
- 8Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- 9Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 18 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water.
- 10Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully peel back the foil, watching for steam. The chicken should be opaque throughout.
- 11Lift the cooked chicken out of the baking dish using tongs and place it on a cutting board.
- 12Using two forks or a knife and fork, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces by pulling it apart along its natural grain.
- 13Divide the rice and black bean mixture evenly between two serving bowls, using a spoon to portion from the baking dish.
- 14Top each bowl with half of the shredded chicken, piling it in the center.
- 15Spoon 3 tablespoons of fresh salsa on top of each bowl.
- 16Drizzle 2 tablespoons of lime crema over each bowl in a thin spiral.
- 17Sprinkle the reserved lime zest evenly over the top of both bowls.
Why this works
Black beans and rice are a classic pairing rooted in culinary tradition and nutritional science. Together, they form a complete protein when combined, making them a powerhouse duo for satisfying, balanced meals. The creamy texture of black beans complements the fluffy grain structure of rice, while their mild flavors serve as the perfect canvas for bold seasonings, proteins, and fresh toppings. From a cooking perspective, black beans and rice have compatible cooking times and liquid requirements, making them ideal for one-pan and sheet-pan recipes. Black beans absorb flavors beautifully—whether it's cumin, garlic, lime, or chipotle—while rice acts as a neutral vehicle that carries these seasonings throughout the dish. This combination works equally well as a base for protein-forward bowls, burrito fillings, or standalone vegetarian meals. The versatility of this duo extends beyond just taste. Black beans provide fiber and plant-based protein, while rice offers sustenance and comfort. Together with chicken, steak, or simply fresh vegetables and lime crema, they create meals that are nutritious, delicious, and adaptable to any cuisine or dietary preference.
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Open the recipe finder →Frequently asked
Can I substitute black beans with other beans?
Yes! Pinto beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas are excellent alternatives that work just as well in burrito bowls and rice dishes. Each brings slightly different flavors and textures, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
What type of rice works best with black beans?
White rice, brown rice, and cilantro lime rice all pair wonderfully with black beans. Cilantro lime rice is especially popular in burrito bowls for added flavor, but any cooked rice will work depending on your preference and nutritional goals.
How can I prep black beans and rice ahead of time?
Both ingredients store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when cooked. You can batch-cook them at the start of the week and assemble fresh bowls each day by adding warm or room-temperature beans and rice to fresh toppings and proteins.
What other proteins pair well with black beans and rice?
Beyond chicken and steak, try ground beef, shrimp, carnitas, or keep it vegetarian with crispy tofu or roasted vegetables. The neutral base of black beans and rice complements virtually any protein you choose.
Can I make black beans and rice without a recipe?
Absolutely! Cook rice and black beans separately or together, season with cumin, garlic, and lime, then top with your favorite proteins, fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa. Sheet-pan methods make this even easier by cooking everything together.
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