Description
This Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired skillet dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with aromatic herbs and cooked alongside tender cannellini beans and fresh spinach, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Liquids and Garnish
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs on both sides with dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse them with herby flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Beans and Broth: Stir in the cannellini beans and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom to enhance flavor. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook together for 5 more minutes allowing the flavors to blend well.
- Add Lemon and Spinach: Stir in the lemon juice and fresh spinach (if using). Cook just until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish warm, optionally pairing it with crusty bread or rice.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs if preferred.
- Kale or arugula are excellent alternatives to spinach for added variety.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or served over rice for a heartier meal.
- 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: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
