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