Name: Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 (15 oz) can white beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

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Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans is one of those magical recipes that checks every box: it’s hearty, colorful, and easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet so packed with flavor it feels like a special occasion. Imagine succulent chicken cooked with sweet peppers, creamy white beans, and a smoky, paprika-infused tomato sauce—each bite bursts with vibrant Spanish-inspired goodness. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is about to become your new go-to for a nourishing, satisfying dinner!

Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans lies in its lineup of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings a unique flavor, texture, or pop of color, working together to create a meal that’s both deeply comforting and visually stunning.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything cook up golden and delicious.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these soak up all the incredible Spanish flavors.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, it’s the savory backbone of the sauce.
Garlic: Essential for that irresistible depth and warmth in every bite.
Red bell pepper: Brings a sweet, mild crunch and beautiful color.
Yellow bell pepper: Adds brightness and a slight tang to balance the dish.
Canned diced tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, they form the base of the sauce.
White beans or cannellini beans: Creamy and protein-packed, they make the stew hearty and satisfying.
Smoked paprika: Delivers that signature Spanish smokiness—don’t skip it!
Ground cumin: Earthy and warm, it complements the other spices perfectly.
Dried oregano: Adds a gentle herbal note that lifts the whole dish.
Chili flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat; add more or less to your taste.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: A little bite to balance the sweetness of the peppers.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and adds extra savoriness.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and let them cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden on all sides. At this stage, you want color, not perfection—the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove the pieces and set them aside; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan (no need to clean it!), toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until everything smells fragrant and the onion is just beginning to soften. This step creates a super flavorful base that infuses the whole dish.

Step 3: Add the Peppers

Now, add your sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan. Cook them for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still hold their shape. The peppers add a sweet pop and a gorgeous color contrast to the Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and add the drained white beans. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the spices can bloom in the tomato juices, and the beans begin to soak up all that savory flavor.

Step 5: Simmer with Chicken and Broth

Return the browned chicken to the pan, then pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the chicken is nestled into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the chicken becomes tender, the sauce thickens, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened a bit, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving. The vibrant green herbs add a fresh finish that really brings the Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans to life!

How to Serve Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro is the classic finish for this dish, adding color and a burst of herbal freshness. If you want to get even fancier, a few lemon wedges on the side or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika over the top will make your Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans look straight out of a restaurant.

Side Dishes

This dish is wonderfully versatile! Spoon it over fluffy brown rice, nutty quinoa, or even tender roasted potatoes for a complete and filling meal. If you’re feeling extra wholesome, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some simple roasted vegetables to keep things light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, tapas-style spread, serve your Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans in small bowls with crusty whole grain bread for dipping. Or, try stuffing the mixture into warm pita pockets for a Spanish-inspired sandwich. You can even spoon leftovers over baked sweet potatoes or use them as a hearty topping for grain bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store your Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it’s just as tasty—if not better—on day two.

Freezing

This recipe is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions until piping hot. Don’t forget to freshen things up with a little more chopped parsley or cilantro!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, just be careful not to overcook it so it stays juicy. Thighs do tend to be a bit more forgiving and flavorful, but both options are delicious.

Is this dish spicy?

Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans is only mildly spicy thanks to the optional chili flakes. If you prefer a milder version, leave them out. For extra heat, feel free to add more to suit your taste!

What beans work best in this recipe?

White beans or cannellini beans are ideal for their creamy texture, but you can easily swap in great northern beans or even chickpeas for a slightly different twist.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Just skip the chicken and double up on beans or toss in some chickpeas. You’ll still get all those wonderful Spanish flavors and a hearty, protein-rich meal.

What can I do if I don’t have smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika is classic for that unmistakable Spanish flavor, but if you’re out, try using regular paprika with a pinch of ground cumin or a splash of liquid smoke to mimic that depth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, wholesome dinner that comes together in a single pan, Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans is your answer. It’s vibrant, deeply flavorful, and just the kind of meal that brings people together around the table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!

Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Spanish Chicken and Beans recipe is a flavorful, nutritious one-pan meal combining tender chicken thighs with vibrant bell peppers, white beans, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (15 oz) can white beans or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Cook the peppers: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers to the pan. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly.
Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, white beans, smoked paprika, cumin, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well.
Combine chicken and broth: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pan and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve warm as is or alongside your choice of brown rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

This dish pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the amount of beans or substitute with chickpeas.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired