One-Pan Chicken with Rice, Black Beans, and Avocado

This one-pan chicken with rice and black beans is a hearty, warming dish inspired by Diana Henry’s From The Oven to the Table. Perfect for winter nights, the dish combines tender chicken, spiced rice, and creamy avocado for a comforting yet fresh meal. With vibrant add-ons like sour cream, lime, and pickled chillies, it’s packed with bold flavours and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

For the Chicken, Rice, and Beans

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or groundnut oil
• 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (or a mix of chicken joints, trimmed)
• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 2 peppers, halved, deseeded, and sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cinnamon stick, halved
• 2 red chillies, halved, deseeded, and chopped
• 1 x 400g can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 170g basmati rice, washed until water runs clear
• 600ml boiling chicken stock
• Sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

To Serve

• Lime wedges
• Pickled chillies
• Sour cream
• 2 avocados (sliced, with lime juice, salt, and pepper)

Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (375°F), Gas Mark 5.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat the oil in a 30cm (12in) ovenproof sauté pan or shallow casserole dish (the size is important).
2. Brown the chicken pieces on both sides until golden, then remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Spices

1. Add the onion and peppers to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and chillies, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Add the black beans and cherry tomatoes to the pan.
2. Sprinkle the rice evenly over the mixture, ensuring the black beans are underneath the rice to prevent scorching.
3. Pour the boiling chicken stock over the rice and vegetables.
4. Return the chicken to the pan, placing it skin-side up. Season with sea salt and black pepper.

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 40 minutes.
2. The chicken should be golden, the rice tender, and the stock fully absorbed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the dish with chopped coriander leaves.
2. Serve with lime wedges, pickled chillies, sour cream, and slices of avocado dressed with lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavour.
• Comfort Meets Freshness: A warming dish balanced with bright, fresh toppings.
• Perfect for Sharing: A crowd-pleaser for family meals or gatherings.

Tips for Success

• Use a shallow, ovenproof pan that allows even cooking.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
• Add extra chillies or adjust spices to your heat preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad for added crunch.
• Serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the flavours.
• Complement with a glass of light red wine or a citrus-infused sparkling water.

This one-pan chicken with rice, black beans, and avocado is a comforting, flavour-packed dish that’s perfect for winter dinners. With its tender chicken, fragrant spices, and vibrant toppings, it’s a meal that combines simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting or cooking for the family, this recipe is sure to impress.