Recipes

Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Rice and Beans

Published: 

Chicken Thighs with Cilantro Rice and Beans
Portions
Serves 4

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper
  • Olive oil
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 1–2 jalapeno peppers, diced
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 3 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 1 (540ml) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup crumbled feta
  • 1 lime, cut into quarters

Directions

  1. Heat your oven rack to 375ºF.
  2. Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towel and scatter with the cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and sear the chicken (in batches, if necessary) until golden brown on the first side, about 5 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked but set it aside.
  3. Meanwhile, trim off the ends of the cilantro, tear the bunch in half, and add to a blender, reserving some leaves for garnish. Add in the jalapeno pepper, green onions, and garlic along with 2 tablespoons of oil and the broth or water and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the rice and beans to the pan and toast, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes. Carefully pour in the blended mixture and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add on the chicken, seared side up, and cover the pan with a well-fitting lid or a piece of aluminum foil.
  5. Remove from the heat and transfer to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes then remove the lid and continue to bake for 5 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the chicken and rice are cooked.
  6. Serve scattered with the feta and reserved cilantro with lime wedges on the side.