Description
Cilantro Orange Chicken with Rice and Beans is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy, broiled chicken thighs marinated in a tangy orange-cilantro sauce. Served alongside aromatic yellow rice and creamy black beans, this quick and easy meal finishes with an optional fresh fruit salsa, combining sweet pineapple, mango, or avocado for a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Juice of 2 oranges (about 4-5 tablespoons) plus a bit of zest
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Wood or metal skewers (optional)
Side Dishes
- One 8.8-ounce pouch pre-made yellow rice (or homemade equivalent)
- One 14-ounce can refried or regular black beans
Optional Fruit Salsa
- 1-2 cups diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning during broiling.
- Preheat Broiler and Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place an oven rack close to the top, about 6 inches from the broiler heating element, and turn the broiler on.
- Place Chicken in Bowl: Put the cut chicken thighs into a large mixing bowl ready for marination.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine cilantro, grated garlic, orange juice and zest, brown sugar, avocado oil, white vinegar, and salt to create the sauce.
- Marinate and Skewer Chicken: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces. Reserve the other half of the marinade for later. Thread the chicken pieces onto soaked skewers or, if preferred, place chicken directly onto the prepared baking sheet, letting excess marinade drip off. Optionally, season chicken with a pinch more salt.
- Broil the Chicken: Place the chicken under the preheated broiler for about 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with a burnished, golden exterior.
- Prepare Fruit Salsa (Optional): Mix a small amount of the reserved marinade with diced pineapple, mango, and/or avocado to create a fresh fruit salsa.
- Finish and Serve: Brush the broiled chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Serve the chicken hot alongside pre-made yellow rice and black beans with the optional fruit salsa on the side for a fresh, juicy accompaniment.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the broiler.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye to avoid overcooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts, but adjust broiling time accordingly.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest enhances the marinade’s brightness.
- The optional fresh fruit salsa adds a sweet contrast and freshness, but can be omitted if desired.
- Yellow rice can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Adjust salt levels to taste, especially if beans are salted.
