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Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs with Beans and Spinach

Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs with Beans and Spinach

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This Pan-Fried Chicken Thighs with Beans and Spinach recipe is packed with flavor, featuring crispy golden chicken thighs, creamy white beans, and fresh spinach in a rich, savory sauce. A touch of homemade pesto takes this dish to the next level, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome, high-protein meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pesto (Optional but Recommended):

  • 1 bunch fresh herbs (parsley and spinach)
  • 20g (2 tbsp) pine nuts
  • 20g (2 tbsp) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 ice cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Chicken and Sauce:

  • 6 chicken thighs (900g / 2 pounds), skin-on
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 onion, cut into large slices
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced
  • 80ml (1/3 cup) white wine
  • 3 x 400g (14 oz) cans white beans, drained
  • 360ml (1 1/2 cups) chicken stock
  • 80g (3 cups) baby spinach (or a mix of spinach and kale)
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pesto:

  • In a blender, combine fresh herbs, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil, salt, pepper, and ice cubes.
  • Blend until smooth. Store in the fridge until needed.

2. Season and Sear the Chicken:

  • Remove the bones from the chicken thighs (or use boneless thighs).
  • In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss to coat.
  • Heat a large skillet over high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and pan-fry for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on medium-high heat.
  • Transfer to a plate.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet (without adding oil), add onion and rosemary.
  • Sauté over low heat for 4 minutes.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic, and white wine.
  • Increase heat to high and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  • Add drained beans and chicken stock, stirring to combine.
  • Cook for 3 minutes, then add spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.

4. Simmer the Chicken:

  • Return the seared chicken (with its juices) to the pan.
  • Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

5. Finish and Serve:

  • Remove the chicken thighs from the sauce.
  • Stir in grated parmesan cheese and 2-3 tsp of homemade pesto.
  • Serve the chicken thighs over the bean and spinach mixture.
  • Pair with your favorite side dish.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh + beans
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg