This Lemony Chicken Dinner Comes Together in Only 30 Minutes

This one-dish dinner combines three of our favorite foods — chicken, lemon, and white beans. Plus, it comes together in only 30 minutes. For ultra crispy chicken thighs, start them skin side down in a cold skillet. As the skillet heats, the gradual increase in temperature allows the fat to fully render for shatteringly crisp skin. Make the most of the flavorful schmaltz by turning it into a quick pan sauce for seasoning the beans.

Why do you start chicken thighs in a cold skillet?

The key to achieving ultra-crispy chicken thighs is to fully render the skin. By starting the chicken thighs in a cold skillet rather than in a preheated one, the skin has time to render without burning.

What can you substitute for cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans can be substituted with other creamy white beans such as Great Northern beans or navy beans. 

Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen

When searing chicken thighs, once the skin is golden brown and rendered, the thighs should release from the pan. If you try to flip the thighs and they’re stuck, cook them for a few minutes longer, and then try to flip again. If needed, use a fish spatula to slide between the skin and the pan to release.

Suggested pairing

Try a citrus-inflected, unoaked white with this easy dinner, such as Poggio Al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino.

This recipe was developed by Anna Theoktisto; the text was written by Paige Grandjean.