Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
If there’s one dish I rely on when the week gets busy but my craving for comfort food kicks in, it’s Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans. Imagine tender, golden chicken thighs nestled among creamy cannellini beans, all blanketed in fragrant herbs and a lively pop of fresh lemon. This is the kind of meal that manages to feel both hearty and light—a Mediterranean-inspired one-skillet wonder you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans matters, from the juicy chicken thighs to the aromatic herbs. These simple, everyday items combine effortlessly, each adding their own delicious note—whether it’s earthy flavor, savory depth, or a splash of color.
- Chicken thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts, these are perfect for searing and simmering.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps bring out the aromas of the herbs as you cook.
- Onion: A staple that brings sweet flavor and soft texture to the bean mixture.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for that classic Mediterranean touch—don’t skip it!
- Dried thyme: Bold and floral, thyme pairs wonderfully with both chicken and beans.
- Dried rosemary: This herb gives the dish its signature, woodsy aroma.
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle, earthy softness that balances the stronger herbs.
- Salt: Simple seasoning to amplify all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: A gentle bite to round everything out.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the beans and keeps the chicken moist.
- Cannellini beans: Creamy and mild, they soak up the flavors beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Just a splash at the end for brightness and a fresh finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green to add color and a hint of freshness when serving.
How to Make Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and those wonderful dried herbs: thyme, rosemary, and oregano. The key to Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is layering flavor from the very beginning, so really rub the seasonings onto every surface for maximum impact.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear them for four to five minutes per side, letting them get that irresistible golden crust that locks in juiciness. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it handy—don’t worry, you’ll bring it back soon!
Step 3: Soften the Onions and Garlic
With the chicken resting, toss your finely chopped onion into the same skillet. Let it cook for about three to four minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—there’s nothing like that wonderful fragrance when garlic hits the pan.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer the Beans
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan as you go to lift all the tasty browned bits left behind by the chicken. Those morsels are flavor gold! Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, give everything a gentle stir, and bring it up to a lively simmer. This is where the beans begin to take on all that herby goodness.
Step 5: Return Chicken & Finish
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet among the beans. Turn the heat down, cover, and let everything warm together for five minutes so the flavors meld. Just before serving, squeeze in that tablespoon of lemon juice—it sparks up the flavors and makes this dish so memorable. If you like, toss some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finish—it looks gorgeous against the creamy beans and golden chicken. If you’re feeling bold, a few extra grinds of black pepper or a zest of lemon add even more visual appeal and zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is most at home with a hunk of warm, crusty bread to soak up those lovely juices. Steamed greens—like broccolini or spinach—make a light, vibrant counterpoint. You could also serve it with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for a meal that feels fresh from the Mediterranean coast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe. Or, plate each chicken thigh over a bed of beans with an artful drizzle of sauce and a sprig of parsley—restaurant quality in minutes. It even works beautifully as a meal prep lunch in individual containers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans, then spoon into an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors actually get even deeper overnight, making leftovers an absolute treat.
Freezing
This hearty dish freezes like a charm. Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers, and they’ll be ready for a busy night a month from now. Just let everything cool completely before freezing to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Simply reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding an extra splash of broth if things look a little dry. The microwave works, too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly, though they may need slightly less cooking time to stay juicy. Just watch closely and pull them from the skillet as soon as they’re cooked through and golden.
Are there other types of beans I can use?
Yes, you can swap in great northern beans or even butter beans, but cannellini beans have a uniquely creamy texture that really shines in this recipe.
What’s the best way to make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and add extra beans or toss in some thickly sliced mushrooms for a satisfying, plant-based version. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.
Can I prep anything ahead of time?
Certainly! You can chop the onions and garlic, mix the herbs and season the chicken up to a day in advance. That way, dinner comes together lightning fast when you’re ready to cook.
Can I double Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans for a bigger crowd?
Yes, just make sure you use a large enough skillet so the chicken browns properly. You might need to work in batches for searing, but everything comes together easily in the end.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans. It’s weeknight-simple, yet feels special enough for friends or family. When you need a recipe that delights every time, this is the one you’ll turn to—go ahead and give it a try; I have a feeling it might become a new favorite in your kitchen too!
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Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans recipe is a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with aromatic herbs and cooked with creamy cannellini beans in a savory broth, creating a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
For the Herbed Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Beans:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional for Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Beans: In the same skillet, cook onion until softened, then add garlic. Pour in chicken broth, add cannellini beans, and return chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is delicious when served with crusty bread or steamed greens.
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with beans
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
