Flavorful Cumin Chicken with Black Bean Stuffing: Your New Go-To Healthy Grill Recipe
If you’ve been following my adventures on Facebook, you might recall my recent culinary journey. A couple of weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to the beautiful landscapes of Montana with Bush’s Beans. It was an immersive experience where we dedicated an entire day to exploring new flavors and refining our cooking techniques. We had the distinct pleasure of cooking alongside two incredibly talented chefs, Jeffrey Saad and Connie Gutterson. Naturally, beans were the star ingredient of the day, proving just how versatile and delicious they can be.
(Photo Credit: Crackle Photograpy)
Discovering the Magic of Cumin Chicken and Black Bean Stuffing
Among the many delightful dishes we prepared, one recipe truly captured my heart and taste buds: this extraordinary Cumin Chicken with Black Bean Stuffing. While the chicken itself is incredibly tender and flavorful, I must confess, the “stuffing” is a standalone masterpiece. I could honestly eat a large bowl of it by itself for dinner and be perfectly content. It’s that good! This incredible stuffing is packed with so many of my favorite ingredients – smoky roasted peppers, aromatic spices, hearty tortillas, and wholesome black beans. It’s a bowl full of goodness that becomes even more irresistible with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. This dish offers a fantastic blend of textures and bold, zesty flavors that transport you straight to a gourmet kitchen.
(Photo Credit: Crackle Photograpy)
Grilling Perfection: Simple Yet Flavorful Cumin Chicken
The chicken component of this meal is prepared with such elegant simplicity and results in such deliciousness that I couldn’t wait to recreate it for my family. Just a few days after returning home from my trip, I cooked it up, and it was an instant hit! I opted for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are perfect for grilling because they stay incredibly moist and tender. After a quick seasoning with just salt, pepper, and a touch of oil, they hit the grill. The magic happens when the chicken is brushed with a brilliant two-ingredient mixture: sweet agave syrup (or honey for a similar effect) and fragrant, toasted cumin seeds. If you’ve never experimented with whole cumin seeds before, this is the perfect recipe to start. The quick toasting in a dry skillet brings out an incredible depth of flavor and aroma, transforming simple cumin seeds into an aromatic powerhouse. Combined with the agave, it creates a slightly sweet, smoky, and unbelievably flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grilled chicken. My husband and kids seriously inhaled every piece and eagerly asked for more, which is always the ultimate compliment in our kitchen!
(Photo Credit: Crackle Photograpy)
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. While we grilled the chicken outdoors, you can easily achieve fantastic results using a grill pan on your stovetop or even baking it in the oven. The key is that irresistible cumin-agave glaze that brings everything together. The black bean stuffing, with its hearty texture and vibrant flavors, perfectly complements the juicy chicken. It’s truly a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The robust flavors from the roasted peppers and spices marry perfectly with the earthy black beans, making every bite a delight.
Cumin Chicken with Black Bean Stuffing and a Special Bush’s Beans Giveaway
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Chicken
Method: Grill
This vibrant Cumin Chicken with Black Bean Stuffing is a culinary delight, perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal. Juicy grilled chicken is coated in a sweet and savory cumin-agave glaze, served alongside a hearty, smoky black bean stuffing packed with roasted peppers and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime brightens every bite, making this dish an unforgettable experience. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings gourmet flavors to your weeknight table, featuring the wholesome goodness of BUSH’S® Beans.
Ingredients
For Chicken:
- 5 pounds whole chicken, cut into pieces (or opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for easier grilling)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons canola oil (or other high-heat cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds (for an enhanced aroma and flavor, remember to quickly toast these seeds in a dry, warm skillet until fragrant before adding to the glaze!)
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup or honey (either works wonderfully for that sweet glaze)
For Stuffing:
- 1 medium green pasilla chile*
- 1 small jalapeño pepper* (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 corn tortillas (6 inch), for texture and body
- 1 can (15 ounces) BUSH’S® Black Beans or BUSH’S® Reduced Sodium Black Beans, thoroughly drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup rich chicken stock
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, for an added layer of flavor
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped, for brightness
- 6 lime wedges, for serving and a burst of citrus
Additional Supplies:
- Aluminum foil
- Grill pan (if not using an outdoor grill)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly cleaning the chicken. Rinse the chicken pieces inside and out with cold water to ensure cleanliness. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a good sear and crispy skin, if applicable. If using a whole chicken, cut it into desired serving pieces, or simply prepare your boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Season and Glaze Preparation: Season the chicken pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly coat them with canola oil to prevent sticking and aid in browning. In a separate small bowl, combine the toasted cumin seeds with the agave syrup (or honey). Stir well and set this flavorful glaze aside.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill, setting one side to medium-high heat and the other to medium-low heat to create two cooking zones. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the chicken pieces, skin-side down (if applicable), on the hotter side of the grill using tongs. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until beautiful grill marks appear. Then, flip the chicken over (skin-side up), move it to the cooler side of the grill, and close the lid. Continue cooking: breast meat will take about 3-5 minutes, while bone-in leg/thigh meat may require around 12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Apply the Cumin-Agave Glaze: During the final two minutes of cooking, brush the prepared cumin seeds and agave syrup mixture generously onto both sides of the chicken. Cook each side for about one minute, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and infuse the chicken with its unique flavor. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or platter for at least 10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.
For Stuffing:
- Roast the Peppers: Using metal tongs, blacken the green pasilla chile and jalapeño peppers directly on the grill (or under a broiler) for about 3 minutes per side until the skin is charred and blistered. Immediately transfer the hot peppers to a small bowl, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and let them sit for 10 minutes. This steaming process helps loosen the skin. Once cool enough to handle, carefully wipe off the skin (avoid rinsing under water, as this washes away flavor). Discard the stems and, if you prefer less heat, remove the seeds. Chop the chile and jalapeño into ½-inch pieces and set aside.
- Char the Tortillas: Place the corn tortillas directly on the grill using metal tongs. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are slightly charred and pliable. This step adds a subtle smoky flavor and a nice texture. Chop the tortillas into ¾-inch strips.
- Assemble and Heat the Stuffing: In a medium-sized, grill-safe pan (such as a cast-iron skillet or an aluminum foil pan), combine the drained and rinsed black beans, chopped chile, jalapeño, tortilla strips, chicken stock, smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Place the pan directly on the grill over medium heat, or on the stovetop. Heat the mixture just until it comes to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool briefly.
- Serve and Garnish: Arrange the perfectly grilled cumin chicken alongside a generous portion of the flavorful black bean stuffing. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges, allowing everyone to add a refreshing squeeze of citrus to their individual plates.
Notes
*Substitution Tip: For convenience, you can use ½ cup of canned roasted green chiles (diced) in place of fresh green pasilla chile and jalapeño pepper. This will save you the roasting step without compromising much on flavor.
Cooking Versatility: While this recipe was specifically designed for outdoor grilling, don’t let the weather stop you! A sturdy grill pan on your stovetop or even a conventional skillet will work just as wonderfully for both the chicken and the stuffing. Just ensure you adjust cooking times and temperatures as needed for even cooking and browning.
Recipe Credit: This exceptional recipe was created exclusively for BUSH’S® Beans by the renowned Chef Jeffrey Saad, a celebrated culinary expert and the charismatic host of numerous food and cooking-related television shows. His expertise shines through in every bite!
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Win Big with Bush’s Beans: An Exclusive Giveaway!
Bush’s Beans is thrilled to extend a little bean love to all my wonderful readers with an exciting giveaway! As the colder months approach, outdoor grilling might become a distant memory for many. But fear not, because this incredible Staub Grill Pan could be your ticket to enjoying delicious grilled meals indoors, all year round. Imagine perfectly seared chicken or vegetables, even when it’s snowing outside! This premium cast iron grill pan, along with other fantastic kitchen essentials, is designed to elevate your cooking game. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to upgrade your kitchen tools and explore new recipes. Good luck to everyone!
What You Can Win in Our Exclusive Giveaway:
- A high-quality Staub Grill Pan for perfect indoor grilling.
- A stylish Apron to keep you clean while cooking up a storm.
- A versatile Silpat baking mat, a must-have for any baker.
- A handy Bean Strainer, making meal prep with beans a breeze.
- A collection of Recipes (including some made at the Montana event!) for new culinary inspiration.
- A selection of premium Spices to enhance your dishes.
- Coupons for free cans of Bush’s Beans, so you can keep cooking with your favorite beans!
This fantastic giveaway kicks off today, Wednesday, November 2nd, and will conclude on Wednesday, November 9th, promptly at 12 noon (EST).
(Please note: This giveaway is open exclusively to our valued US readers. The lucky winner will be randomly selected using the Pick Giveaway Winner plugin application. The winner will be notified via email and will have a grace period of 48 hours to claim their prize. If the prize is not claimed within this timeframe, an alternate winner will be chosen.)
Ready to Enter? Here’s How to Participate:
To secure your first entry, simply leave a comment on this post sharing your absolute favorite way to cook with beans. We’d love to hear your creative and delicious ideas!
Earn Additional Entries (Maximize Your Chances!):
(Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry you complete. Each distinct comment counts as one entry.)
1. “Like” Bush’s Beans on Facebook. Let us know in a comment!
2. “Like” Aggie’s Kitchen on Facebook. If you’re already a fan, just mention it in a comment – that counts as an entry!
3. Follow @BushsBeans on Twitter. Drop us a comment when you do!
4. Follow @AggiesKitchen on Twitter. If you’re already following, tell us in a comment, and it’s an entry!
5. Share about this exciting giveaway on Twitter! Use this exact message: “I want to win a grill pan from @aggieskitchen and @bushsbeans http://tinyurl.com/6y9glcu!” Be sure to leave a comment confirming your tweet.
6. Share about this giveaway on Facebook with a direct link to this post. Don’t forget to leave a comment letting us know!
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For even more chances to win this fantastic prize package, be sure to head over to my friend Cheryl’s blog, Tidy Mom, where she is also hosting this very same giveaway!
(And of course, in the interest of full transparency, I am required to tell you the following:)
Disclaimer: Bush’s Beans generously sponsored my trip to Montana, providing the opportunity for this wonderful culinary experience. However, please be assured that all opinions and perspectives expressed on this blog are, and always will be, entirely my own honest thoughts and views.