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Hearty Black Beans and Rice with chicken sausage Recipe

Hearty Black Beans and Rice with chicken sausage Recipe

4.8 from 17 reviews

This hearty Black Beans and Rice with chicken sausage recipe combines smoky spices, tender chicken sausage, and nutritious black beans with fluffy rice for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish offers a comforting blend of textures and bold seasoning enhanced with fresh cilantro and lime.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Grains and Legumes

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Liquids and Garnish

  • 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Add Spices and Rice: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and chili powder. Add uncooked rice and toast it with the spices for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to enhance its nutty flavor.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Add rinsed black beans, chicken broth, and the browned sausage back into the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Fluff and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño when sautéing the aromatics.
  • Chicken sausage can be substituted with turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage for variation.
  • Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness; adjust added salt accordingly.
  • Letting the rice rest after cooking helps achieve a fluffy texture.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: black beans and rice, chicken sausage recipe, easy dinner, one pot meal, southwestern rice dish, healthy chicken sausage, gluten free option