Name: High-Protein BBQ Chicken & Bean Skillet
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6 large breasts); 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 cups shredded low-fat cheddar cheese; 1 1/3 cups BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 bell peppers (any color), diced; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

High-Protein BBQ Chicken & Bean Skillet

GardenPlum7965

This High-Protein BBQ Chicken & Bean Skillet is your ultimate answer for an American comfort meal that’s packed with flavor and nearly 95g of protein per serving! Quick to prepare and using only staple, budget-friendly ingredients, this dish delivers juicy seared chicken, hearty black beans, sweet peppers, and a smoky BBQ sauce all in one skillet. A bubbling layer of cheddar cheese brings everything together for that classic comfort food vibe, while the high protein content makes it a powerhouse dinner for your goals. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but fuels you like a champ—perfect for anyone looking to eat well without the fuss or expense.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (if finishing with cheese melt in the oven).
2. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the chicken and sear until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side), then remove to a plate. Add remaining oil and repeat with rest of chicken.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onion and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic powder.
5. Return all chicken to skillet. Stir in black beans and BBQ sauce. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Transfer skillet to hot oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from oven, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.