Grilled Lime Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
Looks yummy!
Looks yummy!
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 quart filtered water
- 1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- grilled chicken ingredients:
- juice of 4-5 limes
- 1/2 cup+ (more to taste) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red onion halved then sliced into 1/4� strips
- black bean sauce ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans drained, rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic (minced and crushed - i use a garlic press)
- stems from one bunch of cilantro
- Carbohydrate 5.09506953131772 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 6.98322035135084 g
- Fiber 1.25233447138385 g
- Protein 0.652954769182719 g
- Saturated Fat 0.99904978254045 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (276g)
- Sodium 157.098171925894 mg
- Sugar 3.84273505993387 g
- Trans Fat 0.237080586107956 g
- Calories 81 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix well. Trim chicken breasts and add to marinade. Cover and marinate for 2 hours at room temperature (or overnight in the fridge), turning occasionally.
- While chicken marinates, prepare black bean sauce. Place beans in a saucepan, add remaining ingredients (garlic, cilantro stems, water, pepper). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, adding water if needed. Remove bay leaves. Transfer bean mixture to a food processor and blend until smooth, adding water for desired consistency.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare grill. Place red onion slices in an oven-safe dish, top with chicken and marinade. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is opaque. Remove chicken to a platter. Continue cooking onions in marinade (covered) for 10 minutes. Save marinade.
- Grill chicken over high heat for approximately 2 minutes per side, until cooked through but moist. Drizzle with remaining marinade. Serve grilled chicken with red onions, black bean sauce, and desired garnishes (sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, cilantro, or salad).
A Weeknight Wonder: Grilled Lime Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a little slice of sunshine on a busy weeknight. As a working mom, I need recipes that are both delicious and doable, and this one hits the mark perfectly. The vibrant flavors of lime and cilantro dance beautifully with the earthy richness of the black bean sauce, creating a taste sensation that's far more impressive than its surprisingly simple preparation. I often find myself making this dish twice a month – once for a casual weeknight dinner and again when I have friends over. It’s effortlessly elegant, adaptable to different preferences, and always a crowd-pleaser.
The marinade is the real star here. It's a quick blend of fresh ingredients that work their magic on the chicken, creating a tender and flavorful base for the dish. I usually marinate the chicken in the morning before heading to work, so when I get home, all I need to do is fire up the grill (or use my trusty oven-safe pan) and the bulk of the work is done. I find the prep time minimal, even with my packed schedule. The black bean sauce is equally simple to make and incredibly versatile. I've used this same sauce as a topping for fish, added it to tacos, and even used it as a dip with tortilla chips. The possibilities are endless!
Grilling the chicken adds a lovely smoky char that complements the bright flavors of the marinade and sauce. But don't worry if you don't have a grill. The oven method is just as effective and produces wonderfully tender chicken. I’ve even been known to pan-fry the chicken in a pinch, and the results are still delicious. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different garnishes. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can elevate the dish to new heights. I often serve this with a simple side salad of mixed greens, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and black bean sauce. Or sometimes I pair it with some fluffy rice. The options are truly limitless, and that's what makes this recipe such a winner in my book.
What sets this recipe apart, though, isn't just its deliciousness or ease of preparation, but its versatility. It caters beautifully to different dietary needs and preferences. You can easily adapt it to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even vegetarian. Simply omit or substitute ingredients accordingly. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly, using readily available and inexpensive ingredients. For a quick weeknight meal, I can't recommend this recipe enough. It's flavorful, healthy, and a true testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how much it feels like a celebration, even on a simple Tuesday night. The vibrant colors of the chicken, the rich dark sauce, and the bright green cilantro create a dish that’s visually appealing as well as delicious. It's a feel-good meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized, ready to tackle whatever the rest of the evening throws my way. I highly recommend you give this recipe a try; you might just find it becomes a new family favorite.
Beyond the practical aspects, this recipe represents something more to me. It represents the joy of creating a delicious meal for those I love, using readily available ingredients. It’s a moment of quiet creativity amidst the chaos of daily life. It’s a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle, there is always time for good food and cherished moments. It's also a reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
The flavors are so well-balanced, the texture is perfect, and the overall experience is just wonderful. It's a recipe that I truly love to make and share, and I hope you will too. So go ahead, give it a try. It might just become your new favorite go-to weeknight meal, as it has become mine.
Remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Add your favorite spices, change the garnishes, or adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. This is your kitchen; make it a space of culinary exploration and joy. And don't forget to share your culinary creations with those you love. After all, food is best shared and enjoyed together. Bon appétit!
