Easy Black Bean Salsa Chicken
Tender chicken breasts baked in a sweet and tangy salsa sauce with black beans, then finished with melted cheddar and green onions. High in protein and fiber, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for an easy, nutritious weeknight dinner. Serve over rice for a complete meal.
Equipment
- 1 large oven-safe skillet with lid
- 1 mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven thermometer (optional, for accuracy)
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup salsa your preferred variety
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 2 –3 green onions thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and ensures they brown nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create even pieces, which will cook more quickly and allow the flavors to penetrate better.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. The hot oil will give the chicken a beautiful golden crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Let them sear for 3–4 minutes on one side without moving them. This step locks in the juices and creates a flavorful outer layer. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage; browning is the goal.
- Mix the Salsa Sauce: While the chicken is browning, combine 1 cup of salsa, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning in a small mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the seasoning is evenly distributed. This mixture creates a balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that will soak into the chicken as it bakes.
- Add Black Beans and Sauce: Once the chicken is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared salsa mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Evenly scatter the drained and rinsed black beans over the chicken and into the sauce. These beans add fiber, plant-based protein, and a hearty texture that complements the tender chicken.
- Prepare for Baking: Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the chicken is being prepared for baking. The lid helps trap steam, keeping the chicken moist and allowing the flavors to meld with the sauce and beans.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the covered skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Add Cheese Topping: About 5 minutes before the chicken is finished baking, remove the lid and sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken. Return the skillet to the oven uncovered. The cheese will melt and lightly brown, adding a rich, creamy layer that complements the savory chicken and tangy salsa.
- Garnish with Green Onions: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the top for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Serve Over Rice: For a complete meal, serve the chicken, beans, and sauce over a bed of hot, fluffy rice. Use a spoon to scoop some of the beans and sauce over each portion. The rice soaks up the flavorful juices, making every bite satisfying and well-balanced.
- Optional Serving Tip: For smaller portions or more elegant presentation, slice the chicken into halves or strips before serving. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra tang and creaminess.
Notes
- For even cooking, choose chicken breasts of similar size. If they vary greatly, slice thicker pieces in half.
- Drain and rinse canned black beans to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
- Use your favorite salsa—mild, medium, or hot—to control spice levels.
- Browning the chicken before baking adds depth of flavor and helps retain moisture.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; assemble it and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb option.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.