One-Pan Crispy Chicken with Cannellini Beans & Pistachio Pesto
Crispy golden chicken cooked in one pan alongside creamy cannellini beans, finished with vibrant pistachio pesto.This dish is protein-rich, Mediterranean-friendly, and combines comforting roasted flavors with a fresh herby twist. Perfect for a diet-conscious festive meal.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 35–40 minutes
Total: 50–55 minutes
🥘 Ingredients
For the chicken & beans
4 chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on for crispiness)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 can (15 oz / 400 g) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
For the pistachio pesto
½ cup shelled pistachios
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 garlic clove
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rub chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast chicken and beans
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove briefly.
In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic 2–3 minutes.
Add cannellini beans, cherry tomatoes, and broth. Stir gently.
Place chicken back on top.
Roast in oven 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
3. Make the pistachio pesto
In a food processor, blend pistachios, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Adjust oil or lemon for desired consistency.
4. Serve
Drizzle pistachio pesto over chicken and beans.
Garnish with extra chopped pistachios or fresh basil.
Serve directly from the pan for a rustic presentation.
🌱 Tips
Use skinless chicken for a lighter version; crispiness will be slightly reduced.
Add roasted vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers) to the pan for a one-pan meal.
Swap cannellini beans for chickpeas for variety.
Prepare pesto ahead to save time.
🧮 Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 32 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sodium: ~350 mg