Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is a simple, hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy cannellini beans and fresh vegetables, all bathed in a flavorful broth. It’s a rustic, yet comforting meal that reflects Jamie’s signature style of easy-to-make, flavorful food. This dish blends lean chicken with beans for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s light but filling and perfect for a cozy dinner.

The best part? It’s one of those dishes you can prep and let cook while you get on with other things. The beans soak up all the deliciousness from the chicken, garlic and herbs, creating a flavorful combination that’s just a little elevated but still totally approachable for a weeknight dinner.

Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans, you don’t need anything too fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal. They bring more flavor and stay juicy during cooking. You can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts but thighs are the real star here.
• Cannellini Beans: The creamy texture of cannellini beans pairs beautifully with the rich chicken. You’ll need a couple of cans of these, drained and rinsed.
• Onion: A medium onion, finely chopped, for that lovely base flavor.
• Garlic: A few cloves, crushed or finely chopped, to add depth.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or plum tomatoes give a slight tang and sweetness to balance out the savory flavors.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are traditional here, adding a fragrant, earthy note that’s essential.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and drizzling. Jamie’s all about good quality olive oil.
• Stock: Chicken stock to create a rich base that the chicken and beans will cook in.
• Lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon juice at the end brings brightness and cuts through the richness.
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper and chili flakes if you like a little heat.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed is pretty minimal. Here’s what you’ll use:

• Large Dutch oven or skillet: A big, heavy pan will work best to sear the chicken and cook everything evenly.
• Wooden spoon: For stirring the ingredients together.
• Knife and chopping board: To prepare your vegetables and herbs.
• Can opener: For those cans of cannellini beans.
• Tongs or spatula: To turn the chicken during the searing process.

That’s it. No fancy gadgets needed, just basic, reliable cookware.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans

1. Brown the Chicken: Start by heating a little olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you prefer. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the pot. Let it sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip it over and cook for another few minutes.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed and sauté the onion until it softens, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Beans: Toss in your tomatoes and let them cook down for a couple of minutes until they start to break apart. Add the cannellini beans, stirring everything together.
4. Simmer in Stock: Return the chicken to the pot, skin-side up. Pour in the chicken stock and add your fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme). Bring everything to a simmer, cover and let it cook for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Finishing Touches: Once everything’s cooked, check for seasoning. Adjust with salt, pepper and a little chili flakes if you like it spicy. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish for some zing before serving.
6. Serve: Serve hot with some crusty bread on the side, if you like or just on its own. The beans will have soaked up all the flavors from the chicken and herbs, making each bite deliciously comforting.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans really highlights how simple ingredients, when cooked with care, can create something magical. The searing of the chicken is crucial. it locks in so much flavor and helps create a beautiful crispy skin. One thing I learned is how important it is to let the dish simmer and develop its flavors. Even though you’re using canned beans, the slow cooking really transforms them into a creamy, savory element of the dish. The lemon at the end, though, is a game-changer-adding that freshness ties everything together in a way that I wasn’t expecting.

Also, I realized that using bone-in, skin-on chicken really does make a difference. The richness and depth of flavor it imparts into the broth and beans is undeniable. The skin crisps up beautifully during the cooking process, adding texture to the dish.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans is already a solid dish but there are a few tweaks you can try to make it your own or adjust it based on what you have available.The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.

1. Add Fresh Herbs: Jamie uses rosemary in his recipe but if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding thyme, oregano or a little sage. Fresh basil or parsley at the end will also bring a burst of color and fresh flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: If you like things hot, consider adding a chopped chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give the dish a zesty warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
3. Smokier Flavor: Add a dash of smoked paprika to the beans as they cook. It enhances the richness and gives the dish an earthy undertone that complements the chicken beautifully.
4. Swap the Chicken: While Jamie sticks to chicken thighs, you can easily swap in chicken breasts or even turkey for a leaner option. If you want a vegetarian twist, swap out the meat for plant-based protein, like tempeh or even mushrooms which can absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
5. Boost the Vegetables: If you want to bulk up the dish, feel free to add in extra vegetables. Carrots, zucchini or bell peppers work well. You could also toss in some spinach or kale at the end for a pop of green and added nutrients.
6. Crispy Topping: To take things up a notch, you can top the dish with crispy pancetta or bacon before serving. It adds a salty crunch that’s amazing against the tender chicken and creamy beans.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Cannellini Beans are great! Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for the next few days.

1. Cool Before Storing: Always let the dish cool to room temperature before you put it in the fridge. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the flavors intact.
2. Airtight Containers: Store your leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps the flavors from getting diluted and prevents the chicken from drying out.
3. Shelf Life: The dish will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the chicken may start to lose its texture and the beans may become mushy.
4. Freezing: You can freeze the leftovers but be warned. the beans might not hold up as well. Freeze in portions so you can just take out what you need. It should stay good in the freezer for about 3 months.
5. Reheating: When reheating, do it slowly over low heat to ensure the chicken stays juicy and the beans don’t turn to mush. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep the moisture in.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans?

This dish is hearty and filling on its own but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal.

1. Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce. It’s simple but it makes all the difference.
2. Green Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the richness of the chicken and beans. Try arugula, spinach or even a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemony dressing.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips will complement the beans and chicken. You can roast them with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper for a crispy, savory side.
4. Mashed Potatoes: If you want something more indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes are a great choice. They’re smooth and rich and the chicken pairs perfectly with them.
5. Grilled Asparagus: If you’re looking for something lighter, grilled asparagus or steamed broccoli adds a nice contrast to the dish without overshadowing it.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Needed For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans Recipe?

You’ll need chicken, cannellini beans, garlic, onions, tomatoes, fresh herbs like rosemary, and some olive oil.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans Dish?

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Bean In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Cannellini Beans Recipe?

Yes, you can swap cannellini beans for other white beans like great northern or navy beans, but it might change the flavor a bit.