Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Bake - A Delicious and Healthy One-Pot Meal

Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired dish. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken pieces, black beans, aromatic spices, and vegetables to create a wholesome and filling dinner option. The dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat and want a nutritious and satisfying meal. With minimal prep time, you can have this delicious bake on the table in no time. The combination of spicy flavors, protein-packed chicken, and fiber-rich black beans makes it a fantastic choice for a healthy dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large oven-proof skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano.
4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, jalapeno pepper, diced bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
7. Add the rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the black bean mixture.
9. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.
11. Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
13. Serve the Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Bake hot with a side of rice or tortillas.
14. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful one-pot meal!

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