Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Recipe

Flavorful Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delightful herbed chicken & cannellini dish promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors that dance across your plate.

Mediterranean cuisine always brings unexpected joy to weeknight dinners.

Simple ingredients combine with fresh herbs to create something magical.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among creamy white beans, releasing aromatic rosemary and thyme notes.

Weeknight cooking can feel effortless when you know clever techniques for maximizing flavor.

Each bite delivers a comforting blend of protein and earthy legumes that feels both rustic and refined.

Dive into this recipe and watch your kitchen transform into a Mediterranean haven.

Herbed Chicken And Cannellini Beans That Feel Hearty

  • Quick Weeknight Win: Whip up this delicious herbed chicken dish in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a fast, nutritious meal.
  • Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Combines lean shredded chicken and protein-rich cannellini beans, delivering a satisfying and balanced dinner that keeps you full and energized.
  • Herb-Infused Flavor Explosion: Dill and mint create a fresh, vibrant taste profile that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable side dishes like salad, hummus, or toast make this recipe flexible for different dietary preferences and hunger levels.

What’s Simmered in Chicken and Cannellini

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main substance of the dish.
  • Cannellini Beans: Creamy white beans that add protein and hearty texture.
Herb and Spice Blend:
  • Dill: Fresh herb with a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor.
  • Mint: Bright, cooling herb that adds freshness to the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that deepens the overall flavor profile.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for sautéing and adding richness.
  • Onion: Foundational vegetable that creates a flavor base.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.

Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Cooking Guide

Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Cooking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.

Pour in olive oil and let it shimmer with potential.

Step 2: Awaken the Onions

Toss chopped onions into the pan, stirring and dancing them around until they turn soft and slightly see-through.

Step 3: Sprinkle Herbal Magic

Shower the pan with:
  • Fresh dill
  • Chopped mint
  • Red pepper flakes

Let these herbs sizzle and release their vibrant aromas for about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Introduce the Protein and Beans

Add to the pan:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cannellini beans

Gently mix everything, allowing the ingredients to mingle and absorb the herbal essence.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Garlic Finale

Scatter minced garlic into the mix.

Stir continuously for another 1-2 minutes, letting the garlic release its warm, inviting fragrance.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors.

Remove the pan from heat.

Step 7: Plate with Personality

Transfer to a serving dish.

Pair with a crisp side salad, creamy hummus, or crunchy whole-grain toast.

Dig in and savor every bite!

Cannellini Chicken Tips With Herby Flavor

  • Crush fresh dill and mint between your fingers before adding to release essential oils and intensify the aromatic profile.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and gradually increasing for personalized taste.
  • Shred chicken while it's still warm to maintain tenderness and help it better absorb surrounding herb and spice flavors.
  • Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that keeps the same delicious herbal essence.
  • Rinse canned cannellini beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and eliminate any metallic taste before adding to the pan.

Herbed Chicken With Beans That Heats Up Comfortably

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the herbed chicken and cannellini will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain moisture. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
  • Discard if you notice any unusual odors, color changes, or signs of spoilage. Always reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Matches For Cannellini Chicken

  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the herbal notes of dill and mint in the chicken dish, cutting through its rich flavors.
  • Create Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Arrange the herbed chicken alongside tzatziki, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired profile of the recipe.
  • Design Herb-Infused Sparkling Water: Prepare a simple citrus and herb-infused sparkling water with lemon slices, fresh mint leaves, and a touch of cucumber to refresh the palate and echo the dish's herbal elements.
  • Match Crusty Whole Grain Bread: Select a hearty, rustic whole grain bread with seeds to provide a crunchy texture contrast and absorb the delicious herb-infused cooking juices from the chicken and beans.

Cannellini Chicken Herb Infusions

  • Low-Carb Zucchini Base: Replace cannellini beans with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the herb-rich flavor profile intact.
  • Vegetarian Bean Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the protein content while creating a plant-based version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Protein Boost: Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives to enhance the Mediterranean-style herbs and create a more robust flavor experience.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, replace mint with cilantro, and sprinkle cumin for a southwestern-inspired variation that adds heat and complexity to the original dish.

FAQs

  • What herbs work best in this chicken dish?

Fresh dill and mint are the key herbs that provide bright, refreshing flavors. They complement the chicken and beans beautifully, adding depth and aromatic notes to the entire dish.

  • Can I use dried beans instead of canned cannellini beans?

While canned beans save time, you can absolutely use dried cannellini beans. Just ensure they’re fully cooked and soft before adding to the recipe. Soak dried beans overnight and cook until tender before incorporating into the dish.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this herbed chicken and cannellini dish is excellent for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week. The flavors often enhance after sitting for a day.

  • What protein alternatives can I use if I don't have chicken?

Shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based protein like tofu can work as substitutes. The key is to maintain similar texture and ensure the protein is well-seasoned to match the herb profile of the original recipe.

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Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Recipe

Herbed Chicken & Cannellini Recipe


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4.5 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Herbed chicken & cannellini brings Mediterranean comfort to your kitchen, blending aromatic herbs with tender poultry and creamy beans. Rustic flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a soulful dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 ounces) canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

Herbs and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt to taste

Vegetable and Oil:

  • 1 small onion, thinly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Warm a skillet with olive oil over moderate temperature, gently sweating diced onions until they turn translucent and release their delicate fragrance.
  2. Introduce aromatic dill, refreshing mint, and spicy red pepper flakes, allowing the herbs to bloom and intensify their essence for approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Fold in tender, shredded chicken and creamy cannellini beans, ensuring each morsel is lovingly coated with the herb-infused oils and developing a harmonious flavor profile.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic throughout the mixture, stirring consistently to prevent burning and encourage even distribution of the pungent, aromatic notes.
  5. Delicately season with a whisper of salt, carefully balancing the dish’s complex flavor layers.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat, allowing the ingredients to settle and meld their nuanced tastes.
  7. Present the warm, fragrant mixture alongside a crisp green salad, velvety hummus, or rustic whole-grain toast, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill and mint for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Shred chicken in advance to save time during meal preparation and create consistent texture.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by serving with gluten-free toast or zucchini noodles for added nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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