If you’re after a hearty, flavour-packed dinner with minimal fuss, this Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans recipe delivers. Tender chicken thighs roasted until golden, nestled among creamy cannellini beans and sweet vegetables, all lightly spiced with chilli flakes—it’s comfort food at its best. I made this dish midweek, hoping for something quick and satisfying, and it absolutely surprised me with how rich and cozy it turned out. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken and Beans

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
2 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 large red onion, sliced
1 large carrot, sliced
1 large celery stalk, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, sliced

For the Seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chilli flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves

How To Make Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans

Prep the Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large roasting pan. You want a bit of space between each piece so the skin crisps up nicely.

Add the Veggies and Beans

Scatter the drained cannellini beans around the chicken, followed by the sliced red onion, carrot, and celery. Sprinkle over the minced garlic for that deep, rich aroma. Then, layer the lemon slices on top of the chicken—this adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Season and Roast

Generously season everything with salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the top. Slide the pan into the oven and roast for an hour.

Baste and Finish

After the first hour, remove the pan and baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep everything moist and flavorful. Return it to the oven for another 30 minutes. This second roast really crisps up the skin and deepens the flavors.

Serve It Up

Once golden and bubbling, take the pan out and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve one chicken thigh per person with plenty of beans and veg, and don’t forget those delicious pan juices. Top with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this on a rainy Tuesday and it felt like a warm hug in a bowl. The chicken is insanely juicy, and the beans soak up all those lemony, garlicky juices. My partner went back for seconds (and thirds). It’s also one of those dishes where everything just works—no fancy ingredients, just simple, honest food.

Recipe Tips

Swap the Beans: Don’t have cannellini beans? Try navy beans or chickpeas.
Veggie Flex: You can throw in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers—whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Low on Spice? Dial back the chilli flakes for a milder version.
Make It Crispier: Broil the chicken for 5 minutes at the end if you love extra-crispy skin.
Batch Cook: This dish keeps beautifully, so make extra for easy lunches.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans

At Room Temperature

Let it cool slightly and don’t leave out for more than 2 hours.

In the Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better!

In the Freezer

Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven, covered with foil for 20–25 minutes. Or microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 450
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Sugar: 4g
Fibre: 7g
Sodium: 620mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions! (FAQs)

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Totally! Just check for doneness around the 45-minute mark—they cook a bit faster.

Is this dish spicy?
Not overly! The chilli flakes give it a gentle warmth, but you can adjust to your taste.

What if my beans are too mushy?
Make sure to drain and rinse them well. Adding them right at the start means they’ll get soft, but in a good, saucy way!

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, and you should! This dish loves extra veg—try adding kale, spinach, or mushrooms.

What should I serve with this?
Crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even couscous are all perfect companions.

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Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans

Course: DinnerCuisine: British

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour