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Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls

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A little magic went down in the kitchen earlier today, and they involve these Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls.

Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. If that’s not enough, the bowls are then topped with mango salsa and some sweet fried plantains on the side, perfection.

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls -Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.

This recipe is special for me as it is near and dear to my heart. One of the reasons I fell in love with cooking was because I always had strong, positive female role models who always took such care and pride in preparing meals for their loved ones. From my grandma, to my mom, down to my aunties they showed me how to put love in food, and how it was the most important ingredient. Recently I lost one of my aunties, and I want to dedicate this post and recipe to her.

One of my earliest memories of my Aunt was her preparing breakfast for my Uncle and all of her nieces and nephews. She used to make the best sausages, and her kitchen was never dull as she would dance and sing all while cooking. We used to laugh as kids because food used to fly around the kitchen whenever she was in there, and man her food was ALWAYS amazing!

It’s been tough dealing with losing her, but I take comfort in knowing that she’s always with me especially when I’m in the kitchen. In my culture, we celebrate life and not death. So to celebrate her life and the love of the journey that life takes us all on, I decided to get in the kitchen and whip up these Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls (something I know she would’ve loved) and pour a glass of Wente Vineyard’s Riva Ranch Chardonnay as a toast to her and all the lives she touched.

These bowls are full of life, flavor, and spice just like my aunty. Let me break down the components of yumminess for you!

  1. Cuban Style Chicken- I marinated this chicken in such amazing spices! Cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder, fresh garlic, lime juice and zest, and orange juice and zest! This chicken is perfect with pretty much anything. In a salad, tacos, sandwiches, etc!  Very similar to my Mojo Cuban Pork recipe, how can you pass up on delicious moist and juicy chicken?!
  2. Cuban Style Black Beans- Oh! These may just be my favorite part! More amazing flavors of cumin and smoked paprika. I mash half of the beans and mix it all together to keep some texture, and it’s just delicious! I’ve been known to just eat a whole pan of these, lol!
  3. Cilantro Lime Rice- Okay by now we all know how much I love rice, but this rice is next level! Chipotle has nothing on this cilantro lime rice! 🙂

MANGO SALSA RECIPE

You can top the bowls with whatever you like. I went with a mango salsa, which I have an amazing recipe for here, and of course some fried plantains! Also, if you guys are interested in a fried plantain tutorial let me know in the comments, and I will definitely try to get one up! <3

UPDATE: As promised here is the FRIED PLANTAIN RECIPE <3

Wente’s Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2014 went PERFECTLY with these Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowls!! As I poured the first glass and we made a toast to my Aunt, it truly was a magical moment. Notes of tropical fruit and creamy butter make this wine smooth and crisp and they were made for each other.

Did you guys know, May 25th is National Chardonnay Day? Perfect way to celebrate is with Wente and toasting to the love of the journey with your loved ones! Check out their page for a list of all of their delicious wines, and if you’re making this recipe don’t forget to grab a bottle of the Riva Ranch 2014 Chardonnay!

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls -Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.
Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls -Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.

Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban-style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin. If that’s not enough, the bowls are then topped with a mango salsa and some sweet fried plantains on the side, perfection.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 2 large chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Zest and juice of 1 orange
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime

Black Beans

  • 2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans black beans, drained
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • 1 tsp. vegetable oil
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 ½ cups Jasmine rice
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • ½ cup cilantro, chopped
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Chicken

  1. To a blender, combine the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Add the cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper, 4 cloves garlic, zest and juice of 1 orange, and the zest and juice of 1 lime to the blender. Blend together until everything is finely chopped and smooth.
  2. Add the chicken to a bowl or a Ziploc bag and pour half the marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat and allow the chicken to sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the marinade.
  3. Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot add the chicken and cook, 10-12 minutes or until browned all over and cooked throughout. Add the remaining marinade to the skillet and cook until it has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes.

Black Beans

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and saute 30-60 seconds. Add the black beans and spices and cook for 5-10 minutes. Using a potato masher, mash about half of the beans in the pan, then mix it all together. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until soft. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil allowing to toast for about a minute. Add the chicken broth and increase the heat to high, allowing it to come to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and place the lid onthe pan. Cook for about 15 minutes, until most of the liquid has absorbed.
  2. Turn off the heat and allow rice to sit with the lid on for an additional 5 minutes. Add the lime, cilantro and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. To serve, divide the cilantro lime rice among bowls. Top with chicken and black beans. Add mango salsa and fried plantains if desired!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 829Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 71mgSodium: 1633mgCarbohydrates: 112gFiber: 23gSugar: 21gProtein: 49g
Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls -Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.
Cuban Chicken & Black Bean Rice Bowls -Cilantro-lime rice and Cuban style black beans serve as the base for juicy chicken tossed in a blend of fresh orange juice, lime juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.

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57 Comments
  • Diana (@beandafbaby)
    May 17, 2017

    Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe! My husband and I can’t stand cilantro though, but I am sure it would taste just as great with regular rice!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      It sure will! Thanks Diana!

  • collegeceliackc
    May 17, 2017

    I love how simple but flavorful this is! And I’m addicted to half mashed black beans with spices….so good!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks!!

  • kage2015
    May 17, 2017

    Now this looks like a dish I could really enjoy fixing and eating. I already have the black beans cooked.

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Easy as ever!!

  • Samantha
    May 17, 2017

    Oh my goodness! I love the flavors in this dish! It looks soooooooo good!!!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks!!

  • Kristen Kavan
    May 17, 2017

    plaintains are my favorite! I think theyd be a great addition to this bowl!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks Kristen!

  • Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
    May 17, 2017

    Hubby is here looking over my shoulder and saying, “Dinner, tonite?” 🙂

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Hehe! Did you guys enjoy?!

  • Cara Owens
    May 17, 2017

    I must confess I’ve never ate cuban style food before, but bestill my heart I need to now! This looks so amazing!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks Cara!

  • Jeni
    May 18, 2017

    Oh my gosh I grew up in Florida and I adore Cuban food. This has my mouth watering. I’m a pescetarian, so I may sub fish or perhaps even veg chikn for this but wow. Must now have all the fried plantains!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      This would be delicious with fish!! Thanks Jenj!

  • ayanapitterson
    May 22, 2017

    Hmmm yeah, guess what the Pittersons having for dinner tonight! Girl, this looks amazing. As a fellow Trini, these spices are right up my alley. Absolutely love it, and thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Thrifting Diva
    http://www.thriftingdiva.com

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks girl!! I hope you guys loved it!!

  • hal bloss
    May 22, 2017

    this sounds – and looks – ridiculously good! i love cuban flavors & black beans!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thank you!

  • Cassie
    May 22, 2017

    I can almost taste this through my computer right now!!! Looks so delicious and definitely want to try it ASAP!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks Cassie!! I hope you like it!

  • themomnoms
    May 22, 2017

    The food looks delicious but the wine makes it look even better. I am seriously drooling over the combination. You should come cook for me 😛

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Hehe thanks so much ☺️

  • The Seaside Baker
    May 24, 2017

    What a perfect pairing. I absolutely love WENTE wines and this dish looks spectacular

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Their wines are delicious!!

  • LOVED your post! This all looks delicious :).

    Would love it if you would check mine out as well!

    http://www.coffeetocosmos.com/blog/celebrating-the-love-of-the-journey-with-wente-vineyards

    xoxo,
    Lara
    Coffee to Cosmos

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks!!

  • GiGi Eats Celebrities
    June 20, 2017

    I am SO SO SO SO SO making that chicken!! Looks insane! GET IN MY FACE HOLE!

    • evseats
      June 21, 2017

      Thanks GiGi!

  • Lori
    July 22, 2017

    Making this tonight and adding fire roasted corn! Looks so good 😉

    • evseats
      August 2, 2017

      Thanks Lori! Hope you loved it 🙂

  • Alison
    July 27, 2017

    Can you share your mango salsa and fried plantain recipes? This looks so good!

    • evseats
      August 2, 2017

      Thanks Alison! Yes I can definitely do that! Look out for both <3

      • R Smith
        October 26, 2022

        Yes, please share the Mango Salsa & Plantain recipes please 🙂

  • Debbie
    August 20, 2017

    This was excellent!! We live in Georgia now but originally from the Tampa area in Florida known for great Cuban food. I miss my Cuban food but can now make it from home. Can’t wait to try it with pork. Mango salsa is a must. Thank you so much.

    • evseats
      August 21, 2017

      Thanks so much Debbie! So glad you guys like it! And pork… Now that’s next level. I know it’s going to be excellent! 🙂

  • Jamie
    October 20, 2022

    Now, this is my kind of bowl. It’s overloaded with our favorites! I totally love this, it looks absolutely delicious and yummy!

  • Amy Liu Dong
    October 22, 2022

    A one meal in a bowl with a lot of flavors.
    I am so excited to make this for my family!

  • Brandy
    December 2, 2022

    OMG. This is ridiculously good. My husband and I were drooling and licking our bowls. If you are wondering “should I make this?” Yes. Yes you should.
    There’s no salsa recipe so I chopped mango, small onion, tomatoes, avocado and cilantro and threw in a little olive oil, kosher salt and honey. Delicious …
    The beans are so good. I’ve never made them like this but I always will from now on.
    My only complaint is that it took a really long time to make to prep everything (2-3 hours). But we decided it was so worth it. Especially if you double it and don’t have to cook the next day.

  • Kathy Shaheen
    February 10, 2023

    This was delicious! I almost didn’t make the salsa cause the store didn’t have a mango. But, got one at another store and was perfect. The sweetness of the salsa with the spices in the beans and chicken was so good. One question though. My marinade was thick and almost like a paste. There wasn’t anything to reduce. Did I do something wrong?

    • Evi Aki
      May 18, 2023

      Hi Kathy! Im so glad you liked the recipe! The marinade is supposed to be on the thick side but if you find it to thick you can always cut it with some lime juice or a little water.

  • Julie Kramer
    March 25, 2023

    Didn’t see the instructions for making the Mango Salsa?

  • Marjan
    March 27, 2023

    Can you enjoy this cold or room temperature. I want to meal prep them thank you.

    • Evi Aki
      March 27, 2023

      You can enjoy it, room temp, however, I’d always recommend having it hot.

  • Allie
    April 17, 2023

    This was phenomenal! So much flavor in every bite! Thank you for this recipe, I will definitely be making this again

    • Evi Aki
      May 18, 2023

      Im so glad you enjoyed it Allie! Thank you:)

  • Liane
    May 12, 2023

    Great dish, but the cumin flavor was overwhelming. I would make it again, but just add a few sprinkles of cumin.

    • Evi Aki
      May 18, 2023

      Thanks for your feedback Liane. I do like my food heavily spiced so always feel free to adjust the amounts. 🙂

  • Rebecca
    September 12, 2023

    This meal is SO, SO, SO good! Thank you! It will be on regular rotation around here.

  • Susannah
    September 13, 2023

    This was excellent and will be on rotation at our house for sure! Would be good with pork tenderloin or shrimp as well.

  • Brad
    October 21, 2023

    Do I add the oil to the marinade before cooking the chicken?? Thank you

    • Evi Aki
      November 25, 2023

      Hi Brad! No the oil is for cooking the chicken 🙂

  • Vinnie
    November 24, 2023

    hi EV, enjoying your recipes, I’m a rice lover also and the latest experiment was with coconut oil and bay leaves but the next time I’m going to pulverize the bay leaves in a spice grinder with some star anise and cinnamon to see more flavor!

    • Evi Aki
      November 25, 2023

      Hi Vinnie, That sounds amazing! Please come back and let me know how it turns out!

  • Barb
    March 10, 2024

    Am I missing the mango salsa recipe?

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