If you’re hunting for a meal that is simple to pull together and doesn’t skimp on big flavors, look no further than this One-Pan Crispy Chicken with Cannellini Beans and Pistachio Pesto. This Delicious Recipe is a true weeknight savior, with golden-skinned, juicy chicken nestled into creamy, garlicky beans, and finished with a vibrant pistachio pesto that’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. The best part? Everything is done in one pan, saving you extra dishes and letting those flavors meld together beautifully for an unforgettable, hassle-free dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Delicious Recipe has a purpose—bringing texture, depth, and a pop of color to the final dish. You don’t need anything fancy, but the combination here is so much greater than the sum of its parts.

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs deliver maximum juiciness and irresistibly crisp skin after roasting.
Olive oil: Helps the chicken skin crisp and the beans soak up flavor.
Garlic cloves: Sliced or crushed for robust, aromatic flavor.
Shallots: Bring a delicate sweetness to the beans and balance out richer notes.
Cannellini beans: Creamy, mild beans that soak up all the pan juices; use canned for convenience.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps the beans stay lush and moist.
Fresh lemon zest: Brightens both beans and pesto with lively citrus notes.
Baby spinach: Wilts down for extra greens and vibrant color.
Pistachios: The key to the unique pesto, lending a sweet, buttery crunch.
Fresh basil: Gives the pesto its classic, fragrant foundation.
Parmesan cheese: Adds rich umami and creamy body to the pesto.
Red pepper flakes: For a pleasant touch of heat—use more or less to suit your taste.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every element just right.

How to Make Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and seasoning both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and leave them undisturbed for several minutes. You’re looking for crisp, deeply golden skin—that’s flavor! Once crisped, flip and cook the other side just until lightly golden, then transfer the chicken to a plate. Don’t wipe the pan; those browned bits are culinary gold.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Beans

Add a little more olive oil to the pan if it looks dry, then toss in sliced garlic and shallots. Stir frequently until they’re soft and just beginning to turn golden, letting their aroma fill your kitchen. Stir in the drained cannellini beans and a splash of chicken broth, scraping the bottom to lift up all those delicious browned bits. This will give the beans exceptional flavor. Season the beans, then stir in spinach and lemon zest until the leaves just wilt.

Step 3: Nestle and Roast

Place the chicken thighs back on top of the beans, skin-side up. Make sure the skin stays exposed so it finishes as crackly as possible. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and roast until the chicken is fully cooked through, the skin is sizzling, and the beans are bubbling with savory goodness. The aroma is out of this world, but resist the urge to dig in quite yet—we’re about to make it even better.

Step 4: Make the Pistachio Pesto

While the chicken finishes in the oven, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine pistachios, fresh basil, parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and enough olive oil to bring it all together. Blitz until chunky-smooth, tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed. This pesto brings a splash of vivid green and a nutty twist that truly makes this Delicious Recipe stand out.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is done, spoon the beans and spinach onto plates, top with a crispy chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with the pistachio pesto. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and lemon zest if you like. Every bite is pure satisfaction.

How to Serve Delicious Recipe

Garnishes

Add a final flourish to your Delicious Recipe with bright, punchy garnishes. A handful of extra chopped pistachios adds crunch, while a shower of chopped fresh basil and lemon zest amplifies the dish’s freshness. A light scattering of parmesan cheese brings everything together and signals to your guests that extra care has gone into every detail.

Side Dishes

This recipe is hearty and well-rounded on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty bread to sop up the herby beans are classic choices. If you want something more substantial, creamy polenta or buttered rice will soak up every bit of the flavorful pesto and pan juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic dinner party, serve this Delicious Recipe straight from the pan, letting everyone help themselves for a cozy, communal meal. Alternatively, plate each chicken thigh atop a generous bed of beans and drizzle with pesto for a more elevated look. You can also slice the chicken off the bone and mound it over the beans for easy family-style serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck—this Delicious Recipe is just as tasty the next day. Allow everything to cool completely, then store the chicken, beans, and pesto in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors even deepen a little overnight, making your lunch extra special.

Freezing

While the pesto is best fresh, both the chicken and bean mixture freeze very well. Portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers, making sure the beans are covered in their juices to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the beans and chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to keep things moist. If you’re craving ultra-crispy skin, pop the chicken under the broiler for a minute or two before serving. Let the pesto come to room temperature before spooning over—it’ll taste just as vibrant as when first made.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken will cook a bit faster and won’t get as crispy, but it’s still delicious. Just keep an eye on the oven time and make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Do I need a food processor for the pesto?

While a food processor is the quickest way, you can also use a mortar and pestle for a slightly chunkier, more rustic pesto. Chopping everything finely by hand works in a pinch, too!

Is this Delicious Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the entire dish is naturally gluten-free. If you’re serving bread as a side, just opt for your favorite gluten-free loaf to keep everything suitable for gluten-free guests.

What other beans can I use instead of cannellini?

Great Northern beans or navy beans are excellent substitutes—they’re creamy and mild, just like cannellini. Chickpeas work too, though they’ll add a slightly different texture.

Can I make the pistachio pesto ahead of time?

You sure can! The pesto keeps well in a jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top to help keep it vibrant and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Crispy Chicken with Cannellini Beans and Pistachio Pesto really is a Delicious Recipe you’ll reach for whenever you crave something comforting, impressive, and easy. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation—give it a try and watch everyone at your table light up with every bite!

Delicious Recipe