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 mins
Cook20 minutes mins
Total30 minutes mins
Pin Recipe
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
Wooden or silicone spatula
- 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)
- 1½ 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
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!
- 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.
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