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Keeping it colorful today with this Sheet Pan Cuban Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bowl. Spicy citrus seasoned chicken that’s inspired by cuban flavors, for an easy meal that’s healthy, and truly delicious. Complete each bowl with steamed rice, black beans, homemade mango salsa, and avocado. This dinner is packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, great for any night of the week. Bonus? This easily doubles as a meal prep style recipe that can be cooked ahead, packed-up, and kept handy for busy days.
You know what’s funny? I’ve rewritten parts of this post multiple times, and I’ve now circled back, after writing out the end. Sometimes I find it easier to write the things I know I NEED to say, then go back, reread, and adjust. It helps to get my thoughts down, then organize later. This probably is not the correct way to write, but I guess you do what works for you, right?
Anyway, after a weekend spent writing, I think my brain is a little frazzled and not as fresh as I’d like for it to be. I was supposed to spend the weekend in Aspen for X-Games, since Red was competing. Honestly, I don’t go to watch many snowboard competitions. But X-Games is one I always try to make it out to, since it’s in Colorado and so nearby. I’ve gone every year Red’s competed. Unfortunately, I had to bail out this year in order to meet some work deadlines.
Not going to lie, I was a little bummed. I ended up watching the live stream of the event. I’m SO proud of Red…and very relieved that he smoothly landed all but one run. That kid will never not impress me. He’s always putting his best foot forward and loving life while at it. And he’s always been able to bring a smile to my face, which if you know me can sometimes be harder than you may think.
Since I spent the weekend writing, I’m really excited to be spending the week mostly in the kitchen. And mostly behind my camera, yeah!
I’m also very happy to finally be sharing this recipe, as it’s a good one.
I realized the other week that it’s been a while since I shared a good meal prep style recipe. I can sometimes get tunnel vision and focus solely on the things I’m craving, which right now is pretty much, pizza, pasta, pizza, and soup. Lot’s of soup actually.
Can you blame me though? It is legitimately so freezing outside. All I want to do come the end of a long snowy day is curl up in a blanket with my favorite comfort foods. Tell me you know the feeling?
What I sometimes forget is that chicken and rice are also comfort foods. They can be just as satisfying at the end of a long day as a casserole. In an effort to add a touch of tropical flare, and a good amount of color to my life, I created this Cuban inspired bowl. Which just so happens to be perfect for meal prepping. Which is great for this week ahead, as it’s going to be a busy one. Full of recipe photoshoots for a big project we’ve been working on, conference calls, and one of our first “real” meetings at the studio.
It’s always nice during crazy weeks to have a few meals prepped and ready to go in the fridge. Just one less thing on the to-do list, which is always welcome these days!
It’s probably no secret, but I love using sheet pans (did you catch last weeks sheet pan salmon??). They save me from washing dish after dish. Life is made easier when you can cook your entire meal (or most of it anyway) together on ONE pan.
Yes, please.
Alright, here are the details.
Working on your trusty sheet pan, season some cubed chicken with lots of fresh citrus, oregano, cumin, and spicy cayenne. Add onions and bell peppers and cook everything together until the chicken is cooked throughout and those onions are broken down and caramelized.
While that’s happening, make a batch of rice and mix up a quick mango salsa. By the time the chicken is done cooking, the rice should be ready and the salsa mixed up. Combine everything together with some black beans and avocado and your bowl is complete.
Super simple, super flavorful. My favorite part is the mango salsa. But that’s probably no surprise to you guys, since you all know how much I adore fruit salsa.
As mentioned above, you can prep this all on a Sunday or Monday. Then pack it up into your favorite meal prep containers to take to work for lunch. Or save at home, for a fast and healthy dinner any night of the week.
Complete perfection. Enjoy and happy Monday guys!
If you make this cuban chicken bowl, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Made it for supper tonight.
Major winner; so much so that there was nothing left over like I had hoped!
I am so glad you loved this Ayca! Thank you!
This is a quick, easy and tasty recipe for dinner! I successfully made this meal and will make it again in the future. The only thing I didn’t make was the mango salsa and it still tasted delicious!
I am so glad you loved this Elle! Thank you!
I’ve never heard of a Fresno pepper. Is there another kind that can be substituted? This looks amazing!
Saw this on Instagram today and so glad I did. This was absolutely delicious!! I used a super grain mix vs rice and didn’t have the pepper for the salsa so we just used regular and put the mango on top!! Loved the citrus and spice. I will try to make the salsa one day but will definitely make this again! Hubby loved it! 🙂
Thank you so much Lisa! I am so glad you loved this recipe!
Made this last night for dinner and it was delicious. I needed to put on an oversize sheet pan because my chicken sort of steamed and onions didn’t caramelize. The flavors were great!
Thank you so much Nancy!
I can’t wait to try this! Rice bowls are a hit in my house and this looks like a perfect combo. Just wondering though, my husband prefers his bowls with some sort of sauce to drizzle on top. Any recommendations on what would pair well with this?
Thanks a lot!
HI! I recommend a spicy lime sauce or crema. Try the below! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/sheet-pan-blackened-salmon-bowl/
Off the charts. This is sooooo flavourful. We loved it. I used only the 1/2 lb chicken before the recipe was fixed. It was perfect for two.
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much David!
ooooh this is really one of those yummy dishes one ends up cooking again and again, isn’t it?
I hope so!! Thank you so much Ruth!
This looks great! But how much orange juice do you use? It doesn’t say.
Hi Heidi, the orange juice amount is listed right below the cayenne pepper. You need 2 tablespoons orange juice. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this for dinner tonight and it was easy and delicious!! Would definitely be great for meal prep
Thank you so much Chelsea! I am so glad you loved this recipe!
hey girl- this looks amazing! yummy!
Thank you!
I was going to say the same thing about the amount of chicken listed in the recipe – 1/2# for 6 people? Otherwise looks really good and I’ll put in on my menu soon
Thank you so much Nancy!
Please check the amount of chicken listed for the above recipe. 1/2 pound is too small to serve 6 people. Do you mean 1 1/2 lbs. instead? The recipe sounds delicious, but there certainly appears to be more than 1/2 lb of meat in the pictures as well. Thanks you!
Hey Cindy, you need 1 1/2 pounds of chicken. Recipe is all fixed, so sorry about that. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much!! xTieghan
Used to live in Miami, so this recipe reminded me of the wonderful little Cuban dives where the mojo marinated meats were tender, juicy and beyond flavorful. I’m going to put this one on my list to make soon. I sure don’t miss the Miami traffic though!
Thank you so much Nan! I am so glad you loved this recipe!
Love the recipe! I’ve actually never had mango salsa before, but I’ve always wanted to try it :). I also find the writing part of blogging the hardest, I try to balance it out so I don’t get stuck with a few days of just writing, but sometimes it still happens :/. Thanks for sharing, I’ll be trying that mango salsa as soon as I get some time!
I hope you do try the salsa and love it! Thank you so much!