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Crispy chicken with white beans, kale, and lemon in a skillet.
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5 from 18 reviews

Crispy Skillet Chicken with Garlicky White Beans & Kale

Golden, crispy chicken thighs, tender white beans, and wilted kale—this is one of those meals that looks fancy but comes together fast (which is likely why I make this skillet chicken dinner at least once or a twice a month, without fail. Everything cooks in one skillet with plenty of garlic, a little lemon, and a silky broth that begs for crusty bread on the side. Bound to become your new favorite weeknight chicken recipe!
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: braised chicken thighs, chef-tested dinner, elevated chicken dinner recipe, one pan chicken recipe, restaurant-worthy recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Author: Ari Laing

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Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp schmaltz, optional
  • 8 bone-in or boneless chicken thighs, about ~2 lbs
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 10 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed, leaves torn into small pieces
  • 2 (15 oz) cans of white beans, drained (such as cannellini, navy, or northern beans)
  • cups (355ml) low-sodium chicken stock, or 1 cup stock + 1 cup dry white wine
  • ½ lemon, thinly sliced
  • 4 sprigs fresh oregano, plus more for garnish
  • 2 Tbsp capers, drained
  • flaky sea salt, for serving, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 2 Tbsp oil and 2 Tbsp schmaltz (if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • If using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs, then season on all sides with 1 tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet (carefully, it will splatter!) and cook, undisturbed, for 8-10 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and easily lifts away from the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
  • If using boneless chicken thighs: Trim any excess fat from chicken thighs, then season on all sides with 1 tsp Kosher salt and ¼ tsp black pepper. Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet (carefully, it will splatter!) and cook, undisturbed, for 4 minutes, until the skin is golden brown and easily lifts away from the pan. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
  • Add remaining ingredients, then transfer to an oven. Add 10 smashed garlic cloves, torn kale leaves, and 2 cans of white beans, then toss. Pour in 1½ cups (355ml) chicken stock, then stir. Nestle chicken thighs (skin side up, if using skin-on) on top of the kale and beans, then add lemon slices and fresh oregano. Bake for 7-10 minutes (if using boneless) or 12-14 minutes (if using bone-in), until an internal temperature of 165°F (74*C) is reached.
  • Serve. Top the chicken with 2 Tbsp capers, then sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Schmaltz: If you're cooking skin-on thighs, you can omit the schmaltz (rendered chicken fat). It's a nice addition, however, if using boneless thighs. 
  • Any leafy green will work, just remove the stems first. 
  • This freezes like a dream! Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, then freeze for up to 3 months. 

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 35.5g | Protein: 29.1g | Fat: 18.5g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1405mg | Potassium: 421mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 0.7g | Calcium: 155mg | Iron: 5mg
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