Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that come together effortlessly but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly what you get with this Herbed Chicken & Cannellini recipe—a hearty, flavorful dish that’s packed with protein, fiber, and comforting goodness. Juicy, seasoned chicken meets creamy cannellini beans in a blend of herbs that make every bite irresistible. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer for busy nights!
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Why You’ll Love Herbed Chicken & Cannellini
Versatile: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques—just season, sear, and simmer.
Nutrient-Packed: High in protein and fiber, keeping you full and satisfied.
Customizable: Adjust the herbs and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Herbed Chicken & Cannellini
This dish is all about bold flavors with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: Juicy and tender, they soak up all the herbaceous goodness. You can also use thighs for extra flavor.
Cannellini Beans: Creamy and mild, these beans add texture and a boost of protein.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a rich, savory aroma.
Olive Oil: Helps create that golden, crispy sear on the chicken.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity brightens up the dish beautifully.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or parsley bring an earthy, aromatic touch.
Salt & Pepper: The essentials for seasoning to perfection.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A little heat goes a long way!
How to Make Herbed Chicken & Cannellini
Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, locking in the juices.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—just a minute or two.
Simmer with Beans: Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the cannellini beans. Stir everything together, letting the beans soak up the flavors.
Finish with Lemon & Herbs: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle more herbs on top. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve & Enjoy: Plate the chicken with a generous spoonful of the beans and sauce. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Herbed Chicken & Cannellini
With Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Over Rice or Quinoa: A great way to turn this into a heartier meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus.
As a Light Meal: Enjoy it as is for a protein-packed, low-carb option.
Additional Tips
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have time, bone-in chicken adds even more depth.
Make It Creamier: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream before serving.
Add More Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well, so double the batch and save some for another day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
A1: Yes! Canned cannellini beans work perfectly and save time.
Q2: What other beans can I use?
A2: Great Northern beans or chickpeas are good alternatives.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Absolutely—this dish is naturally dairy-free!
Q4: Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
A4: Yes! Try shrimp, tofu, or even turkey cutlets.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this?
A6: Warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Q7: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A7: Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours for an even deeper flavor.
Q8: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A8: Definitely—just use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Q9: What’s a good wine pairing for this dish?
A9: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir works well.
Q10: Can I add tomatoes for extra flavor?
A10: Yes! Diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes add a great burst of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Herbed Chicken & Cannellini is one of those recipes that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you serve it for a casual weeknight dinner or dress it up for guests, it’s bound to impress. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!
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Herbed Chicken & Cannellini
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 10-minute herbed chicken with cannellini beans is the ultimate quick dinner idea for busy nights! Using leftover chicken and canned beans, this dish is high in protein, gluten-free, and dairy-free, making it a great choice for healthy homemade recipes. Packed with aromatic herbs like dill and mint, it’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. Pair it with a fresh salad or hummus for a complete, nourishing dish
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, thinly chopped
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 1 minute until translucent.
- Stir in the dill, mint, and red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the shredded chicken and cannellini beans, stirring well to absorb the flavors. Let cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 more minutes, stirring frequently.
- Season with a pinch of salt, then remove from heat.
- Serve immediately with a side salad, hummus, or whole-grain toast. Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg