Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with creamy cannellini beans and a tomato-based sauce, all simmered together with aromatic herbs. This one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, delivering a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Simple and Comforting: Easy to prepare with wholesome ingredients.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Beans add creaminess and a boost of protein.
- One-Pot Dish: Less cleanup and more flavor as everything simmers together.
- Customizable: Easily adjust herbs and spices to your preference.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is a rustic, comforting dish made with chicken pieces, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes and Herbs
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, bay leaf, and rosemary (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Add the Cannellini Beans and Return the Chicken
Add the cannellini beans to the pan, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the mixture, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Steamed Rice: A neutral base that complements the rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds a bit of sweetness and extra texture.
- Pasta: Serve over pasta for a hearty, filling meal.
- Green Salad: Adds a fresh, light side to balance the richness.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
- Sear the Chicken Well: Browning the chicken enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary add depth to the sauce.
- Adjust Thickness: For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Add Veggies: Add chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and color.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes for the flavors to meld.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
- Spicy Chicken and Beans: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for heat.
- Creamy Chicken and Beans: Stir in a splash of cream for a richer texture.
- Chicken and Bean Stew with Spinach: Add a handful of fresh spinach before serving.
- Herb and Garlic Chicken: Use extra garlic and mixed herbs for a more intense flavor.
- Lemon and Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice for a fresh, tangy twist.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans
Store leftover chicken and cannellini beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed to maintain moisture.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Chicken and Cannellini Beans?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. Reduce simmering time slightly to keep the chicken tender.
How do I make Chicken and Cannellini Beans thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking. You can also mash a few cannellini beans into the sauce, which will naturally thicken it without needing additional ingredients.
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
What can I serve with Chicken and Cannellini Beans?
Serve this dish with crusty bread, steamed rice, pasta, or a green salad to complement the flavors. Each option pairs well and makes it a complete meal.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy beans, and rich tomato sauce in one pot. Ideal for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy it with crusty bread or your favorite side for a meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
PrintJamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is a rustic, comforting dish made with chicken pieces, cannellini beans, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh rosemary sprig (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme, bay leaf, and rosemary (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the cannellini beans to the pan, then nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the mixture, skin-side up. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta.