Tender, flavorful chicken cooked with creamy cannellini beans, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a comforting, protein-packed meal. This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and taste, making it a great option for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Healthy and nutritious – Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and fresh vegetables.
Flavorful and satisfying – A mix of garlic, herbs, and lemon for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired taste.
Customizable – Easily adaptable with different proteins or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cannellini beans
Olive oil
Garlic
Dried oregano
Dried thyme
Paprika
Salt and black pepper
Cherry tomatoes
Baby spinach
Chicken broth
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley

Directions

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Stir in the cannellini beans and baby spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Swap the protein – Try this recipe with boneless thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies – Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would complement this dish well.
Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
Use different beans – Great Northern beans or chickpeas work as substitutes for cannellini beans.
Creamier texture – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before freezing.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check using a meat thermometer.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

What can I serve with this dish?

This meal pairs well with a side of quinoa, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just ensure any broth you use doesn’t contain hidden dairy ingredients.

What if I don’t have cannellini beans?

You can substitute with chickpeas, Great Northern beans, or navy beans.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

How can I make this dish lower in sodium?

Use low-sodium chicken broth and rinse the beans well before adding them.

Does this dish taste good cold?

While best enjoyed warm, it can also be eaten as a cold salad-style meal if you prefer.

Conclusion

Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you enjoy it fresh or as leftovers, this meal delivers both comfort and nutrition in every bite.

Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans

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Print Recipe

This Herbed Chicken with Cannellini Beans is a one-pan, protein-packed meal featuring juicy chicken, creamy white beans, and fresh herbs in a light garlic-lemon broth. A perfect 30-minute dinner that’s healthy, hearty, and bursting with flavor!

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Instructions

Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Bean Mixture
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Simmer the Dish
- Stir in cannellini beans and baby spinach, cooking for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Serve & Garnish
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Different Beans: Swap cannellini beans for chickpeas or navy beans.
Creamy Version: Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer sauce.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Chicken
Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
Diet: Gluten Free