Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day: aromatic, satisfying, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a fragrant blend of rosemary and thyme, then simmered with creamy cannellini beans, sweet sautéed onions, and a splash of bright lemon juice. This dish is a weeknight lifesaver that’s both elegant enough for guests and cozy enough for a family dinner. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples, you’ll end up with a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans lies in its simplicity: each ingredient adds a special touch, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. These essentials come together to create a dish where every bite offers comfort and brightness.
- Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the star of this dish and hold up beautifully during simmering.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that irresistible golden crust.
- Dried Rosemary: Infuses the chicken with a woodsy, aromatic note that perfectly complements the beans.
- Dried Thyme: Lends a subtle earthiness that layers beautifully with the rosemary.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a mellow, savory backbone to the herb rub.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish; don’t skimp here!
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat and rounds out the seasoning mix.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a natural sweetness and depth as it softens during cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds a punchy, aromatic lift that’s essential for a Mediterranean vibe.
- Cannellini Beans: Creamy and mild, these beans soak up all the herby juices and make the dish wonderfully hearty.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps everything moist and flavorful, while deglazing the pan for even more depth.
- Lemon Juice: A finishing splash of brightness that wakes up the whole skillet.
- Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on at the end, parsley gives a pop of color and a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by combining the dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Give it a quick mix with your fingers to wake up the herbs. Rub this fragrant mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny is seasoned. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with layers of savory, herby goodness right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken thighs and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side. The goal is a deep golden crust that locks in all the juices. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if needed, sear in batches. Once cooked through and beautifully browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute more, until fragrant. This step builds a flavor base that will infuse the beans and broth with irresistible depth.
Step 4: Simmer the Beans
Add the drained cannellini beans and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. Those little bits are pure flavor! Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until the liquid has thickened slightly and the beans are creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, spooning some of the bean mixture over the top. Let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes, just to blend all the flavors. Finish with a bright squeeze of lemon juice and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is now ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans
Garnishes
A simple shower of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans. For extra flair, try a few lemon wedges on the side or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely sings when paired with something to soak up all those wonderful juices. Think: warm, crusty bread, pillowy rice, or even creamy polenta. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side also complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, spoon the beans onto a platter, arrange the chicken on top, and scatter with extra herbs and lemon zest. Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans also looks stunning served family-style in the skillet, inviting everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this a fantastic choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Simply let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and beans in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, but the skillet method keeps the chicken wonderfully tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans, though they tend to cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked. Just keep an eye on them while searing and simmering.
What if I don’t have cannellini beans?
No worries! You can substitute with other white beans like Great Northern or navy beans. Even chickpeas will do in a pinch, giving the dish a slightly different but still delicious character.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Definitely! Fresh rosemary and thyme add a vibrant aroma to Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, and chop them finely for even distribution.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Prepare as directed, cool, and store in the fridge. The chicken and beans reheat beautifully, and the flavors only get better with time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, bright, and full of flavor, it’s time to make Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans your new go-to recipe. With just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to delight anyone at the table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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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 is a flavorful and wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dish. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned with aromatic herbs and seared to golden perfection, then simmered with creamy cannellini beans, garlic, and onion in a light chicken broth. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Garnish
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Herb Rub: In a small bowl, combine the dried rosemary, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a balanced seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Rub the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure flavorful meat throughout.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken thighs and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet with the residual oil and browned bits, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, scraping the pan’s bottom to lift any flavorful browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them into the bean mixture. Cook together for 2–3 minutes, spooning the beans and sauce over the chicken to combine flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle lemon juice over the top of the chicken and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with beans
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
