Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken
Try this Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken recipe
Try this Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken recipe
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- one 4 to 5 lb chicken cut into 10 pieces (you can substitute an equal amount of skin-on, bone-in breasts and/or thighs)
- coarse kosher salt and ground pepper to taste
- 1/2 lb sweet italian sausage (about 3 sausages)
- 1 medium to large onion chopped
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and thinly sliced
- 6 to 7 sprigs of fresh thyme
- one 15 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
- two 15 oz cans white beans (i used cannellini)
- 1 lb lacinato kale (about 2 bunches) *see note
- Carbohydrate 0.254800000215395 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.562500000241223 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.0068600000057991 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0776700000333081 g
- Serving Size 1 1 to 8 serving (129g)
- Sodium 0.501250000419046 mg
- Sugar 0.254800000215395 g
- Trans Fat 0.0152325000065324 g
- Calories 13 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Generously season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. If using store-bought breasts you’ll want to cut them each in half with a very sharp knife.
- Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven or braising pan over high heat.
- Working in batches, brown chicken pieces on all sides (about 4 to 5 minutes per side), and transfer to a plate to rest.
- Drain off all but about 1 tablespoon of any grease from the chicken, and brown the sausage and onions over medium high heat.
- Try to break up and crumble the sausage as it browns. Cook about 5 minutes, or until sausage is mostly cooked through and onions are starting to soften and get some color.
- Toss in garlic and cook one minute more.
- Add thyme and white wine, and simmer until wine has reduced by about half, about 5 or 10 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and drained tomatoes and bring just back to a simmer.
- Arrange chicken, skin side up, in a single layer and transfer to the oven to braise, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes.
- While chicken is in the oven; remove the ribs, roughly chop, and thoroughly wash the kale. Dry well with a kitchen towel or salad spinner.
- Once cooked through and tender, transfer chicken pieces to a plate and tent with foil.
- Turn the oven off and transfer the chicken back to the oven with the door slightly open to keep warm.
- Move the pan back to the stove and reduce the braising liquid over high heat for about 10 minutes.
- Add kale and beans, toss, and cook until all the kale is completely wilted, about 5 minutes more.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and serve.
- Serve the chicken in a shallow bowl over a bed of beans and kale. Spoon some of the liquid over the top just before serving.
A Weeknight Winner: Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school drop-offs, meetings, and the endless to-do list, whipping up something elaborate is often unrealistic. That’s why I’ve come to rely on recipes that are both nutritious and surprisingly simple, and this Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken is a perfect example. This recipe consistently delivers a flavorful, hearty meal without demanding hours in the kitchen – a true lifesaver on busy weeknights.
The beauty of braising lies in its hands-off approach. Once the chicken is browned and the initial ingredients are sautéed, the dish practically cooks itself in the oven. This allows me to multitask – answering emails, helping with homework, or simply enjoying a much-needed moment of peace. The long, slow cooking process results in incredibly tender chicken that practically falls off the bone. The kale, a nutritional powerhouse, adds a delightful earthy bitterness that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and sausage. And the white beans? They provide a creamy texture and a boost of protein, making this a truly satisfying and complete meal.
I often adjust this recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap the Italian sausage for chorizo for a spicier kick, or I add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra heartiness. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a staple in my rotation, adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. This isn’t just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a recipe that’s become a comforting constant in our busy family life. The aroma alone fills the kitchen with warmth and the promise of a delicious, satisfying meal – a small but significant act of self-care in the midst of a hectic week.
Beyond the Weeknight: This isn't limited to just weeknights. It's equally impressive for a casual weekend brunch or a relaxed dinner party. The simple elegance of this dish belies its ease of preparation, making it a crowd-pleaser without the fuss of complex techniques. It’s a recipe I'm proud to share, knowing that it brings a taste of home and a touch of culinary simplicity to even the busiest lives.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Chicken choice: Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are best for braising as they render the most flavor into the sauce.
- Sausage selection: Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Spicy Italian, chorizo, or even andouille would all be delicious.
- Kale preparation: Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the kale before adding it to the pot to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
- Wine substitution: If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or even water.
- Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks ahead.
This Kale and White Bean Braised Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques to create a delicious and satisfying meal that fits seamlessly into even the most demanding schedules. It's a recipe that speaks to the heart of home-cooked meals – warmth, comfort, and the delicious feeling of nourishing your family with something truly special, without the stress and demands of a Michelin-star meal prep.
So, the next time you're staring at a blank calendar and a rumbling stomach, remember this recipe. It's a reliable friend, a culinary hug in a hectic world, and a surefire way to transform a busy weeknight into a moment of delicious simplicity and family connection.
