Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A profoundly flavorful dish where tender chicken simmers with beans and herbs, embodying the depth of thoughtful, unhurried cooking. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 495 minutes pairs skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, finely chopped yellow onions for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 480 min Serves 6 French cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side; transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Return chicken to the pot, add 1 can drained white beans, 1.5 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary take to make?

Total time is about 495 minutes (15 min prep + 480 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Rosemary?

French slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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