Slow-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans

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

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a bright lemon-herb broth with cannellini beans, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 90 minutes pairs chicken thighs, (15 oz) cannellini beans, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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: 75 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear thighs for 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Squeeze juice from 1 lemon into the pot and add 1 cup chicken broth, dried thyme, and 1/2 cup chopped lemon zest. Return chicken to the pot.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low for 1 hour. Add drained cannellini beans and remaining 1 cup broth. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans?

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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon-Herb Chicken with White Beans?

American 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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