July 20, 2026 · 5 min

Quick Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Tacos with Smoky Red Pepper Crema

Dinner5 min1152 cal / serving

These tacos are all about bold flavors and fast preparation. A hearty filling of seasoned black beans, tender chicken and sautéed green pepper gets topped with a smoky red pepper crema and a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheeses for maximum melt. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings-we love adding scallion greens for a fresh crunch. The smoky crema ties everything together, making each bite irresistible.

Recipe details

Dinner5 min1152 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1152 kcalProtein54.8 gFat79.8 gCarbs51.4 gSugar13.2 gFiber7.2 gSodium1191 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: containsSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies.

Ingredients

Cheddar Cheese0.5 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guide
Long Green Pepper1 unit Long Green PepperView ingredient guide
Black Beans1 unit Black BeansView ingredient guide
Flour Tortillas6 unit Flour TortillasView ingredient guide
Scallions2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guide
Tex-Mex Paste1 unit Tex-Mex PasteView ingredient guide
Mexican Cheese Blend0.5 cup Mexican Cheese BlendView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry produce. Halve, deseed and thinly slice green pepper crosswise into strips. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens.
  2. Open package of chicken and drain off any excess liquid. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
  3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add green pepper and cook, stirring, until softened, 5-6 minutes. TIP: If needed, add a splash of water to help green pepper soften. Add green pepper to pan with chicken (skip the oil); cook through this step as instructed.
  4. While green pepper cooks, drain and rinse beans. Once green pepper is softened, stir in scallion whites and 2 tsp Southwest Spice Blend (4 tsp for 4 servings). (Be sure to measure the Southwest Spice Blend-we sent more.) Cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add beans, Tex-Mex paste and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4). Cook, stirring, until filling has combined and thickened, 2-3 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle bean filling with cheddar and Mexican cheese blend. Cover pan until cheese melts, 1-2 minutes. Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave until warm and pliable, 30 seconds. Divide tortillas between plates and fill with bean filling, smoky red pepper crema and scallion greens. Serve.

Recipe Tips

If the green pepper isn’t softening quickly, add a splash of water to the pan and cover for a minute.

Warm tortillas in the microwave wrapped in damp paper towels to keep them pliable.

Customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado or hot sauce.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar and Mexican cheese blend with any melting cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby or a shredded Mexican blend.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add an extra can of black beans or your favorite plant-based protein.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the filling and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the filling in a pan and warm tortillas before serving.

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