One Dish Chicken, Black Beans, and Rice

This One Dish Chicken, Black Beans, and Rice recipe is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender chicken breasts are baked atop a bed of spiced rice and black beans, all infused with the rich flavors of salsa and enchilada sauce. As the dish bakes, the rice soaks up the savory chicken broth, butter, and tangy salsa, creating a perfectly seasoned base that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• Rice and Base:
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• Chicken:
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
• Toppings:
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp sliced green onions

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

1. Prepare the Base:

• In the prepared baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, salsa, melted butter, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined.
• Evenly sprinkle the drained black beans over the rice mixture.

1. Add the Chicken:

• Lay the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice and bean mixture. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well coated.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center, and the rice is tender.

1. Finish and Serve:

• Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the dish and stir the rice to ensure it’s evenly mixed with the beans and sauce.
• Return the chicken to the dish, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover the dish with foil again. Allow the cheese to melt, which should take just a few minutes.
• Before serving, sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips:

• Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, ensure that your chicken breasts are of similar thickness. If they vary significantly, consider pounding them to an even thickness or cutting larger breasts in half.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best in this recipe as it cooks evenly with the chicken. Avoid using instant rice, as it may become mushy.
• Salsa: The type of salsa you use will impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for a salsa you enjoy eating on its own—mild, medium, or hot, depending on your heat preference.
• Customizations: Feel free to customize this dish by adding corn, bell peppers, or even chopped tomatoes to the rice mixture before baking for added flavor and texture.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side.

This One Dish Chicken, Black Beans, and Rice recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also offers a delicious, balanced meal with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free dinner.