Why You’ll Love this Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice
If you’re looking for a satisfying one-dish meal that brings together bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice is about to become your new favorite. I make this whenever I need something that’s both impressive and effortless.
What’s not to love? Tender chicken, hearty black beans, and perfectly seasoned rice come together in one pot. The bright pops of corn, olives, and cilantro create a feast for your eyes and taste buds. And those toppings? Fresh avocado, tangy sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips take it over the top. Meal prep magic, folks.
What Ingredients are in Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice?
This Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice is a true flavor fiesta in a bowl. The recipe combines the hearty goodness of black beans with perfectly seasoned rice and tender chicken, all brought together with a colorful mix of vegetables and toppings.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting a complete, balanced meal without having to prepare multiple dishes. The Mexican-style rice pilaf mix gives it that authentic Latin flavor base, while the additions make it uniquely Brazilian-inspired.
- 1 (8 ounce) package Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix
- 1 (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
When shopping for ingredients, look for brands like Goya or Vigo for the Mexican-style rice pilaf in the Spanish or Mexican food section of your grocery store.
This particular type of rice mix creates the foundation of flavors that makes this dish special. For the chicken, you can either cook it fresh or use a time-saving rotisserie chicken from the store.
The toppings are what really make this dish customizable—feel free to adjust the amounts of avocado, salsa, and sour cream to suit your taste preferences. Some people might even want to add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick!
How to Make this Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice
Making Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for those nights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. Start by preparing 1 (8 ounce) package of Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix according to the package directions. This usually involves bringing water to a boil, adding the rice and seasoning packet, then reducing to a simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. The rice serves as your flavorful foundation, so don’t rush this step—those few minutes of simmering allow all the seasonings to properly infuse.
Once your rice is cooked to perfection, it’s time to transform it into a complete meal. Add 1 (16 ounce) can of rinsed and drained black beans, 1 cup of corn, 1 bunch of chopped scallions, 1/2 cup of sliced black olives, 4 cups of diced cooked chicken, and 1/2 bunch of chopped fresh cilantro right into the pot with the rice. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed. The residual heat from the rice will warm the beans and corn while the fresh herbs and vegetables maintain their vibrant flavors and textures.
Notice how the colors come together? That beautiful contrast of the black beans against the yellow corn and green cilantro makes this dish as visually appealing as it’s delicious.
For serving, transfer your masterpiece to a platter and arrange the garnishes artfully. Layer slices of 1 ripe avocado around the edges, or if you prefer, dollop homemade guacamole on top. Add generous spoonfuls of salsa and sour cream, allowing everyone to adjust their portions to taste. Finally, arrange tortilla chips around the dish or in a separate bowl for scooping.
This isn’t just dinner—it’s an experience, with each bite offering a different combination of textures and flavors. And the best part? The whole thing comes together in about 30 minutes, making it entirely possible to enjoy these complex flavors even on a busy weeknight.
Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice Substitutions and Variations
While our traditional recipe is absolutely mouthwatering, let’s explore how you can adapt this Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice to suit your pantry and preferences.
No Goya or Vigo rice? Regular long-grain rice works fine—just add your own seasonings like cumin, paprika, and oregano.
Vegetarian? Skip the chicken and double those beans, or toss in some roasted sweet potatoes.
Not a cilantro fan? (I know, tastes like soap to some folks). Try fresh parsley instead.
Red or kidney beans can pinch-hit for black beans in a squeeze.
And that avocado garnish? Make it into guacamole or swap for mango slices for a fruity twist.
What to Serve with Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice
Although our Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice is practically a complete meal on its own, I’ve found that a few complementary side dishes can transform this hearty dish into an unforgettable feast.
I love serving a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for freshness. A basket of warm Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo) is perfect for sopping up those flavorful juices.
For drinks, nothing beats a cold caipirinha or tropical fruit juice. Sometimes I’ll add grilled plantains on the side—their sweet caramelized edges contrast beautifully with the savory rice.
Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds before they’ve finished firsts.
Final Thoughts
After years of making this Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice recipe, I’m convinced it’s one of the most versatile dishes in my repertoire.
The vibrant combination of flavors—smoky black beans, tender chicken, sweet corn, and briny olives—creates a perfect harmony that never disappoints.
What I love most? It’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or casual dinners.
The leftovers taste even better the next day, once all those wonderful flavors have had time to mingle.
Consider this recipe your starting point.
Add jalapeños for heat, swap chicken for shrimp, or make it vegetarian.
It’s virtually foolproof.
