Imagine tender, juicy chicken, bursting cherry tomatoes, and hearty white beans, all baked together in one pan with aromatic herbs and olive oil. This Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes with White Beans is a truly effortless and incredibly flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. It’s a complete meal that comes together with minimal fuss and cleanup, delivering fresh, vibrant flavors in every single bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of “one-pan wonders” that deliver big on both health and flavor, and this Baked Chicken with Tomatoes and White Beans absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is how simple ingredients transform into a cohesive, incredibly satisfying meal. The chicken bakes to tender perfection, absorbing all the juices from the sweet, bursting cherry tomatoes and the savory herbs. The white beans add a hearty, comforting element, making it a complete meal that feels light yet fulfilling. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and bake, making it a fantastic go-to for busy evenings when I crave something nutritious and delicious without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup chicken broth (if sauce is desired)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Lemon wedges for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier. Cut into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal as they burst and create a natural sauce.
- Cannellini Beans: Cannellini beans (white kidney beans) are creamy and hearty. Great Northern beans or chickpeas can be substituted. Ensure they are thoroughly rinsed and drained.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic depth.
- Dried Herbs: Dried oregano and thyme are classic Mediterranean flavors. You can also add a pinch of dried rosemary.
- Chicken Broth (Optional): If you desire a bit more sauce to spoon over rice or soak up with bread, adding ½ cup chicken broth to the pan with the other ingredients before baking works well.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Fresh basil or parsley adds a lovely bright finish and aroma.
- Lemon Wedges (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
- Vegetable Additions (Optional): You can add other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus spears to the pan.
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Halve the 1 pint cherry tomatoes. Rinse and drain the 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans. Mince the 2 cloves garlic.
2. Combine All Ingredients in Baking Dish: In a large 9×13-inch baking dish (or a similar size that allows ingredients to be in a single layer), combine the chicken pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, and rinsed and drained cannellini beans. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together directly in the baking dish until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. If using, pour in the ½ cup chicken broth at this stage.
3. Bake to Perfection: Spread the mixture in a single, even layer in the baking dish. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), the tomatoes are burst and softened, and the beans are tender. The chicken should be lightly browned.
4. Garnish & Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, and serve with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing. Serve immediately as a complete and flavorful meal.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure ingredients are in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking and browning. Use two pans if necessary.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook just until they reach 165°F (74°C). Thighs are more forgiving.
- Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: These add natural sweetness and create a lovely sauce as they burst.
- Rinse Beans Thoroughly: Draining and rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and starch.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the finished dish and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve Hot: This dish is best served warm, straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes with White Beans is a complete, healthy, and satisfying meal on its own.
- Simple Side: A piece of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.
- Grain Base: Serve over a small portion of fluffy white rice, couscous, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette would complement the Mediterranean flavors.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc, a light Pinot Grigio, or a dry Rosé would be excellent choices.
- For other easy and flavorful chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
Storage and Leftover Tips
This baked chicken dish is excellent for making ahead, and leftovers are a treat!
- Make Ahead: You can chop the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store components separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes with White Beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tomatoes may soften slightly.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot.
- Freezing: This dish freezes reasonably well. Once completely cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes with White Beans is a truly delightful and incredibly easy dish that brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Its tender chicken, bursting tomatoes, and hearty beans create a satisfying and surprisingly quick meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Get ready to add this fantastic one-pan wonder to your regular dinner rotation!
What are your go-to sheet pan or baked chicken recipes, or do you have a secret ingredient that makes your Mediterranean dishes extra special? Share your insights and feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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