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Zesty Brazilian Chicken, Black Beans, and Rice

This hearty one-pot meal features tender chicken, protein-packed black beans, and aromatic Mexican-style rice pilaf blended with sweet corn and briny olives. It’s a flexible dish that can be easily customized with extra cilantro, avocado, or even swapped proteins for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix (8 oz package)
  • 16 ounce can Black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup Corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 bunch Scallions chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pitted black olives sliced lengthwise
  • 4 cups Cooked diced chicken meat (or meat from 1/2 roasting chicken)
  • 1/2 bunch Fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 Ripe avocado sliced or made into guacamole
  • Salsa for garnishing
  • Sour cream for garnishing
  • Tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Cutting board
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix according to the package instructions, typically by sautéing the rice lightly in oil before adding water and the seasoning.
  2. Once the rice is tender, gently fold in the rinsed black beans, corn, chopped scallions, and sliced black olives.
  3. Stir in the diced cooked chicken and chopped cilantro, allowing the residual heat of the rice to warm the mixture and meld the flavors.
  4. Transfer the combined mixture to a serving platter.
  5. Garnish with slices of ripe avocado (or a dollop of homemade guacamole) and serve with small bowls of salsa, sour cream, and a side of tortilla chips.

Notes

This recipe is wonderfully versatile—feel free to substitute the Mexican-style rice pilaf with brown rice or quinoa if you prefer a healthier option. Leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent time saver, and you can swap cilantro for parsley if you’re not a fan of its distinctive flavor. The garnishes are key, so don’t skimp on the avocado, salsa, or sour cream to further enhance the dish. Serve with a fresh salad or traditional sides like fried plantains to complete a memorable meal.