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brazilian chicken and rice

Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice

This vibrant one-pot Brazilian Chicken Black Bean Rice combines tender chicken, hearty black beans, and perfectly seasoned rice with colorful vegetables. Topped with fresh avocado, tangy sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips, it's a complete meal that's both impressive and effortless to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bunch scallions chopped
  • 1/2 cup black olives pitted and sliced lengthwise
  • 1 8 ounce Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix
  • 1 16 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 4 cups cooked chicken meat diced (or meat from 1/2 roasting chicken)
  • 1 cup corn canned or frozen
  • 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 pot
  • Mixing spoon
  • Serving platter

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Mexican-style chicken rice pilaf mix according to package directions. This typically involves bringing water to a boil, adding the rice and seasoning packet, then reducing to a simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Once the rice is cooked, add the rinsed and drained black beans, corn, chopped scallions, sliced black olives, diced cooked chicken, and chopped fresh cilantro to the pot.
  3. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly distributed. The residual heat from the rice will warm the beans and corn while preserving the vibrant flavors of the fresh herbs and vegetables.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and arrange the garnishes. Layer slices of avocado around the edges (or dollop with guacamole if preferred).
  5. Add spoonfuls of salsa and sour cream on top or serve on the side to allow everyone to adjust to taste.
  6. Arrange tortilla chips around the dish or in a separate bowl for scooping and serving.

Notes

For a time-saving option, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. The dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish.
This recipe is highly adaptable - try using red beans instead of black beans, parsley instead of cilantro if you're not a fan, or add diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.