Cuban Chicken Rice Bowls (Mojo-Marinated Chicken With Black Beans, 35 Min)

Tutorial: how to make Cuban chicken rice bowls — mojo marinade + seared chicken + cilantro lime rice + sofrito beans. 35 min.

Introduction

Tutorial: how to make Cuban chicken rice bowls — mojo chicken + cilantro lime rice + sofrito beans + plantains. 35 min weeknight.

Ingredients List

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs + OJ + lime + garlic + oregano + cumin + smoked paprika + olive oil + S+P
  • 1.5 cups rice + 3 cups broth + butter + salt + 1/4 cup cilantro + lime zest/juice
  • 2 cans black beans + 1 onion + 1 green pepper + 3 garlic + cumin + oregano + 1/2 cup broth + 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 plantain + avocado + pickled onions + lime + cilantro

Timing

Close-up of Cuban-style rice bowl with citrus-marinated chicken, sofrito black beans, sweet plantains, and lime wedges Save

Marinate 10. Cook 20. Build 5. Total 35 min.

Step 1 — Marinate + Rice

10 min. Rice 18 min.

Step 2 — Beans Sofrito

Veggies + spices 5 min. Beans simmer 5 min.

Step 3 — Sear Chicken 4-5 Min/Side

165°F. Rest. Slice.

Step 4 — Plantains

2 min/side caramelized.

Step 5 — Finish Rice

Cilantro + lime.

Step 6 — Build Bowls

Rice, beans, chicken, plantains, avocado, onions, cilantro, lime.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories 610 | Protein 42g | Fat 18g | Carbs 72g | Fiber 11g | Vit C 40% DV

Healthier Alternatives

Brown rice. No plantains. Cauli rice. Lean breasts.

Serving Suggestions

Build-your-own bar. Tortilla wraps. Mojito, café cubano.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Long marinade
  • Crowded skillet
  • Rinsed beans
  • Green plantains
  • No rest

Storing Tips

4 days components. Freeze rice + beans 3 mo.

Conclusion

That’s how to make Cuban chicken rice bowls. Comment your topping, share a photo, subscribe.

FAQs

Breasts? Less juicy.

OJ sub? Pineapple + lime.

Make ahead? 4 days components.

Vegetarian? Tofu.

GF? Yes.

Plantain ripe? Yellow + black spots.

Recipe Card: Cuban Chicken Rice Bowls

Marinate: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Build: 5 min | Total: 35 min | Serves: 4 | Calories: 610/bowl

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken thighs + mojo (OJ + lime + garlic + oregano + cumin + smoked paprika + olive oil + S+P)
  • 1.5 cups rice + 3 cups broth + butter + salt + cilantro + lime zest/juice
  • 2 cans black beans + 1 onion + 1 green pepper + 3 garlic + cumin + oregano + broth + vinegar
  • 1 plantain + avocado + pickled red onions + lime + cilantro

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken 10 min while rice cooks 18 min covered.
  2. Sofrito beans: veggies + spices 5 min, then beans simmer 5 min.
  3. Sear chicken 4-5 min per side; rest, slice.
  4. Pan-fry plantain coins 2 min per side.
  5. Fluff rice with cilantro and lime.
  6. Build bowls: rice, beans, chicken, plantains, toppings, lime.

Nutrition (per bowl)

Calories 610 | Protein 42g | Fat 18g | Carbs 72g | Fiber 11g | Vit C 40% DV

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