A one-pan meal with juicy chicken, black beans, peppers, and a creamy, cheesy finish—perfect for dinner or meal prep.
📊 Macros (per serving – 4 servings)
- Calories: 420–450
- Protein: 42–45g
- Carbs: 18–20g
- Fat: 18–20g
(Can adjust with low-fat cheese or extra beans.)
🧾 Ingredients
Protein & Veggies
- 1½ lb (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Southwestern Flavor
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)
Beans & Sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
Cheesy Finish
- ½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Mexican blend
- Optional: fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
🔥 Instructions
- Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season cubed chicken with half the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove from skillet. - Sauté the vegetables
In the same skillet, add onion and bell peppers. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. - Add beans and sauce
Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and remaining spices. Simmer 5 minutes. - Combine chicken
Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal). - Add cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey. - Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve as-is or over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or low-carb tortillas.
💪 High-Protein Tips
- Use extra-lean chicken to maximize protein
- Add ½ cup Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for creaminess + extra protein
- Black beans add fiber and plant-based protein
🔁 Variations
- Keto: skip black beans, add zucchini or cauliflower rice
- Spicy: add jalapeños or chipotle peppers
- Cheesy Fiesta: add ¼ cup fat-free cream cheese or queso fresco
- Meal Prep: portion into 4 containers for 4 days
❄️ Storage
- Fridge: 4–5 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (best without cheese, add fresh after reheating)
