If you’re looking for a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting, the Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe is an absolute winner. This meal combines perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breasts with creamy cannellini beans, bright cherry tomatoes, and fresh baby spinach for a texture and flavor celebration. Every bite delivers a fabulous blend of herbs, a touch of lemony brightness, and satisfying warmth that makes it a go-to for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Plus, it’s ready in just 30 minutes, proving that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe truly shine. Each component plays an essential role—whether it’s bringing herbal aroma, a hint of acidity, or wholesome creaminess to the plate, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and freshness of these staples.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The protein-packed foundation, perfect for soaking up flavors while staying tender.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly bitter herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, subtle flavor that complements poultry beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and lovely color to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all other flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: For searing chicken and sautéing the veggies, contributing richness and silky texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with unmistakable pungency and warmth.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Lends juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy beans that add substance and a smooth mouthfeel.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory base for simmering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dish with its fresh acidity.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Brings vibrant green color and delicate texture, wilting down to meld with the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and a mild herbal lift.
How to Make Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts evenly with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place them carefully in the skillet and let them sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This initial sear locks in moisture and develops that irresistible crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Bean Mixture
After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step transforms the oil with a robust aroma. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for 2 minutes until they soften slightly, releasing their sweet juices into the pan.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring as you do to loosen up all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing step is crucial because it builds depth of flavor in your sauce. Once combined, add in the cannellini beans along with the baby spinach. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the beans absorb the vibrant flavors.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them into the bean and spinach mixture. Allow the entire dish to simmer gently for another 5 to 7 minutes, making sure the chicken cooks through completely (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). This final simmer melds all the ingredients together, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This simple addition brings a burst of fresh color and herbaceous brightness, completing your Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe with style.
How to Serve Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and natural finishing touch here, but you could also try finely chopped basil or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors even more. A lemon wedge on the side invites an extra splash of zest if you like things bright and tangy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a warm crusty baguette to soak up any luscious juices or a fluffy quinoa salad for an extra boost of texture. Steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables also complement the herby chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve everything right out of the skillet to keep things rustic and homey. If you want to impress guests, plate the chicken on a bed of the bean mixture with a colorful garnish of microgreens or edible flowers. Either way, the visual appeal will match the delicious aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe keeps very well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the vibrant flavors and moisture of the beans and chicken.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish in advance, it freezes nicely. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of cooked spinach may soften after freezing, but the flavors stay intact.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture seems dry. This careful reheating helps maintain the juiciness of the chicken and the saucy consistency of the beans.
FAQs
Can I use other beans instead of cannellini beans?
Absolutely! Cannellini beans are great for their creaminess, but you can swap in navy beans, great northern beans, or even chickpeas for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish without chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or even water, although broth adds extra depth to the flavor that is pretty delightful.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the chicken with firm tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The beans and herbs will still give you that lovely depth of flavor.
What side dishes pair best with this recipe?
Since the Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe is hearty on its own, pairing it with light, fresh sides like a green salad, roasted vegetables, or simply crusty bread balances the meal beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the warm, herb-filled flavors in this Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel cared for and content all at once. Whether you’re cooking for two or just craving a wholesome meal that’s not fussy, give this recipe a go—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans recipe offers a delicious and nutritious meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic herbs and served alongside a flavorful blend of garlic, cherry tomatoes, creamy cannellini beans, and fresh baby spinach. Finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley, it’s a quick, wholesome dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Vegetables and Beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
Liquids and Garnish
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Bean Mixture: Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom, which will add flavor to the dish.
- Simmer the Dish: Stir in the cannellini beans and baby spinach. Cook for 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the bean and vegetable mixture. Let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your herbed chicken with cannellini beans.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally.
- Feel free to substitute baby kale or Swiss chard if spinach is not available.
- Rinsing the cannellini beans helps reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
- This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
