chicken monterey with black beans beans and grains
Author of this recipe: Vincent Tables
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Juicy chicken, black beans, and grain-stuffed peppers in a Monterey Jack cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners! #ChickenMonterey #BlackBeansGrains #HealthyDinner
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (main ingredient)
- Black beans, rinsed and drained (key ingredient)
- Brown rice, cooked according to package instructions (healthy grain option)
- Corn, frozen or fresh (adds freshness and texture)
- Onion, diced (for flavor enhancement)
- Bell peppers, diced (colorful addition with vitamins)
- Garlic, minced (essential for taste)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for sautéing)
- Tomato sauce (tangy and savory)
- Chicken broth (add moisture and depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper (seasoning for taste)
- Cumin (traditional spice that enhances the dish)
- Paprika (optional, for color and flavor boost)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish or additional flavor)
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Steps
### Chicken Monterey with Black Beans and Grains Recipe
#### Introduction
Chicken Monterey is a delicious twist on the classic California-style dish, featuring tender chicken breast, creamy cheese, and a savory blend of black beans and grains. This recipe combines all the flavors you love into one hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a healthier version packed with protein from chicken and grains while keeping it flavorful and satisfying.
#### Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or any grain of your choice)
- 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray
#### Instructions
1. **Preheat Your Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them until they are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
3. **Prepare the Grains and Beans:**
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions (usually about 15-20 minutes). Fluff with a fork before using.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Add diced bell peppers and corn kernels to the onions. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in cooked quinoa and black beans. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. **Assemble the Dishes:**
- Place a portion of the chicken breast mixture on each dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a layer of the grain and bean mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each layer.
6. **Bake Until Cooked Through:**
- Spray a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Arrange your dishes in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, such as cilantro or parsley.
#### Tips
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your spice blend for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish under the oven’s heat for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious Chicken Monterey with Black Beans and Grains that will please everyone at your table. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. Enjoy!