Smoky Pulled Chicken with Beans (The Secret Ingredient Is Coffee!)
Servings: 6
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the most unexpected ingredients create the best recipes.
I never imagined adding coffee to a savory chicken dish, but now I can't imagine making it without it. The rich tomato sauce, tender pulled chicken, and hearty beans create the ultimate comfort meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.
If you make this recipe, I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how you served it. ❤️
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (796 ml) crushed tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup brewed coffee
2 chicken breasts (or 4 boneless chicken thighs)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Optional toppings
Fresh parsley or cilantro
Sour cream
Avocado
Fresh bread
Rice
Mashed potatoes
Crispy potato pancakes (Tócsni)
Instructions
Step 1
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Step 2
Add the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3
Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and brewed coffee.
Stir everything together.
Step 4
Nestle the chicken into the sauce.
Cover and simmer for about 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken is fork tender.
(You can also cook it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker.)
Step 5
Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 6
Add the black beans and pinto beans.
Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is incredibly versatile.
Serve it with:
Steamed rice
Creamy mashed potatoes
Fresh crusty bread
Baked potatoes
Tortillas
Crispy Hungarian tócsni (my favorite!)
Tips
The coffee will not make the dish taste like coffee.
Chicken thighs make the recipe even juicier.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freeze portions for quick future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I taste the coffee?
No. It simply adds depth and richness to the sauce.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños.
Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release before shredding the chicken and stirring in the beans.