Creamy Tomato Chicken and White Beans Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine or reduced sodium chicken broth
• 2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 pint grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

This recipe yields 6 servings. Cooking times remain the same even if ingredient amounts are adjusted.

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken thighs with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place them in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and saut over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, roughly 1 minute.
5. Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift browned bits. Simmer until the liquid is almost evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the cannellini beans, grape tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, crushed red pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a gentle boil.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until the chicken reaches 175F (80C), tomatoes soften, and the bean mixture turns creamy, approximately 20 minutes. Optional: lightly mash some beans to thicken the sauce.
8. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and additional fresh oregano for garnish. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	600
Total Fat	25g (32%)
Saturated Fat	8g (38%)
Cholesterol	197mg (66%)
Sodium	662mg (29%)
Total Carbohydrate	43g (15%)
Dietary Fiber	10g (36%)
Sugars	4g
Protein	52g (105%)
Vitamin C	10mg (11%)
Calcium	219mg (17%)
Iron	7mg (40%)
Potassium	1400mg (30%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Consult your doctor or dietitian if you follow a medically restrictive diet.

The Story Behind Creamy Tomato Chicken and White Beans

Creamy Tomato Chicken and White Beans is a flavorful dish that blends rustic Mediterranean inspirations with modern American comfort cooking. While not tied to one specific historic recipe, its origins are rooted in the long-standing European tradition of slow-simmered chicken stews enriched with tomatoes and legumes. Similar combinations appeared in Italian farmhouse kitchens, where beans were valued for their sustenance and versatility, and tomatoes brought brightness to otherwise simple meals.

Regional Characteristics

In different regions, this dish takes on slightly varied personalities. In the American South, cooks often add smoky spices or swap cannellini beans for butter beans to create a heartier flavor. In coastal areas, a splash of wine is emphasized, echoing Tuscan influences. Meanwhile, in the Northeast, fresh herbs like oregano and basil are used generously, reflecting the areas strong Italian-American heritage.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Though reminiscent of Tuscan white bean stews, this version stands apart because of its creamy texture and emphasis on seared chicken thighs. Unlike classic Italian fagioli-based dishes, which often rely on olive oil and aromatics alone, this recipe introduces Parmesan for richness and crushed red pepper for a gentle heat. The use of fresh grape tomatoes instead of canned varieties also creates a lighter, sweeter and more vibrant sauce.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Today, Creamy Tomato Chicken and White Beans is often enjoyed in home kitchens as a comforting weeknight meal. It also appears in casual bistros and farm-to-table restaurants that celebrate simple, rustic cooking. Because the dish is both hearty and elegant, it works well for family dinners, cozy gatherings, and effortlessly elevated weekend meals.

Interesting Facts

One intriguing detail is that dishes combining chicken and beans were historically created to stretch ingredients during lean seasons, making them a staple in many agricultural communities. Cannellini beans, now a signature component, were once considered a poor mans protein but are celebrated today for their creamy texture and nutritional value. Another fun fact: chefs often mash a handful of beans to naturally thicken the sauce, a technique that predates modern roux-based methods.

FAQ about Creamy Tomato Chicken and White Beans Recipe