Name: Chicken Black Rice with Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: serves 4 people
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 300 g (1 1/2 cup) black rice; 250 g (1/2 pound) green beans (string beans); 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic, diced; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest; 500 g (1 pound) chicken breast; 1 tsp cumin powder; 1/4 tsp paprika powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp grated lemon zest; 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

Chicken Black Rice with Beans

When I was doing research for this recipe, I came across some fascinating information about black rice. In ancient China, black rice was also known as ”Forbidden Rice.” But not due to it being dangerous to eat or inedible, no. The reason was that the black rice was so expensive that only the wealthiest could afford it. Today black rice isn’t the cheapest rice on the market either, but we still like to buy it from time to time, especially for rice bowls or simple meals like this Chicken Black Rice with String Beans. Using black rice in this recipe makes all the difference, and it makes the dish more interesting, flavorful, and fun.

Healthy meal for the whole family

We do our best to create as many healthy(ish) meals as possible each January. And we also try to make them easy and appropriate for all seasons, not just winter. This is one of those wholesome January recipes that we think you will like, especially for these reasons:

the black rice makes the dish more colorful, engaging, and wholesome
the cooked string beans are delicious and make the dish richer
the pan-fried chicken cutlets are juicy, tender, with a gentle seasoning
the whole dish is completed in about 40 minutes
we can easily make this recipe vegan or vegetarian
easy to store in the fridge or freezer

How to make Chicken Black Rice with Beans at home

This delicious Chicken Black Rice with Beans is separated into three steps. First, cook the black rice, then prepare the rest of the ingredients. The prep is quick and straightforward. Below you will find the whole recipe with ingredient list and instructions, and here's a quick overview for easier preparation.

Cook the black rice according to the package instructions.
Cook the green/string beans.
Season the chicken cutlets and pan-fry them in a skillet.
Saute the rice, beans, and sliced chicken cutlets in a pan.
Divide between four plates and serve.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions and answers.

Can I use any other type of rice? Sure, feel free to use brown rice because it's wholesome, and it will work great with the rest of the ingredients in the recipe. You can easily cook the rice up to a day ahead.

Can I use frozen beans? Absolutely. Use fresh or frozen green beans or string beans. The cooking time stays the same.

How do I make this meal meatless? We can easily make this dish vegan or vegetarian. If you want to make it vegan, then substitute the chicken for tofu, and if you're going to make it vegetarian, use halloumi cheese. Prepare the halloumi cheese the same as you would the chicken.

Storing and freezing

If you have any leftovers, feel free to place them in an airtight container. Keep sealed in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving, reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on a stove until warm.

Feel free to freeze this Chicken Black Rice with Beans. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and place it in the freezer for up to a month. Before serving, defrost by bringing to room temperature, then reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on a stove until warm.

Try these amazing rice recipes too

METHOD

cook the black rice

Cook the black rice according to the package instructions. Each type of rice cooks differently, so it's best to follow the package instructions. While the rice cooks, prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Cook the beans

Cut the green beans or string beans into 3 cm (1-inch) chunks. Pour water into a saucepan and season lightly with salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil, then add in the beans. Cook for 6 - 8 minutes or until the beans are cooked al dente, until almost soft.
season the chicken

Cut the chicken breast into chicken cutlets, and place in a bowl. Add the cumin powder, paprika powder, olive oil, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Using the kitchen thongs, coat the meat in the spice mix to combine.

Tip

For the chicken cutlets, cut the chicken breast horizontally into two pieces. Place the parchment paper or plastic wrap over the meat. Using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin, pound the meat until about 1 cm or 1/2 inch thick.
pan-fry the meat

Place a large grill pan over high heat. Add the olive oil and a few of the chicken cutlets; make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Pan-fry the meat for 2 - 3 minutes per side. Repeat the process until all the meat is pan-fried.
finish the dish and serve

Place a separate pan over medium heat. Add 3 tbsp olive oil and diced garlic. Saute for a minute, then add the cooked black rice and drained beans. Stir, and saute for a minute or two. Stir in the lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cut the cutlets into strips and add to the rice in a pan. Stir to combine, then divide between four plates and serve.

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Chicken Black Rice with Beans