Chicken, Broccoli and Beans

If you are looking for a quick meal on the healthier side this chicken recipe is a perfect option.  The main ingredients – chicken, broccoli and cannellini beans – are a delicious combination.  I make this on the stove by throwing all ingredients into one pan. And the great thing about this meal is you can add as much or as little of each ingredient depending on what you’re in the mood for!

I use cannellini beans for a lot of recipes and I love them, but I always cook them a certain way.  I add them to a pan on the stove and cook over low heat. Then I use a large spoon or fork and gently smash the beans – I prefer the beans slightly mashed up and cooked until they are very soft – you may like them better as full beans and more al dente – the great thing is this recipe works either way!  

While the beans are cooking I like to add chicken broth, so it doesn’t get too thick as well as salt, pepper and tomato sauce for flavor.  As the beans cook I cut the chicken into small pieces as well as the steamed broccoli. Once the beans are getting to the right consistency, but not fully done, add chicken and broccoli to the pan.  Cook over low heat until chicken is cooked through – I add chicken broth as I go.

The consistency of this meal is between a thicker and soupier mixture, so depending on how I’m feeling I add rice or a small macaroni such as ditalini.  And sometimes I just eat as is!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 chicken breasts
• 1 crown broccoli
• 2 19 oz cans cannellini beans
• Salt
• Pepper
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• 1 can chicken broth
• 2 spoonfuls tomato sauce

Directions:

1. Add olive oil to a pan and turn heat to low.  Add minced garlic and cook over low heat – careful not to burn!
2.  Add 2 cans of cannellini beans to the pan.  Do not drain the beans – add all liquid in the can.
3. Let beans cook over low heat. Use a large spoon or fork to smash the beans into smaller pieces. Continue to cook beans until softened. (If you prefer the beans full just cook without smashing!).
4.  Add salt, pepper, and tomato sauce.
5.  While the beans are cooking cut chicken into small chunks and cut steamed broccoli.
6.  Add chicken and broccoli to the pan.  Cook until chicken is cooked through and broccoli is softened.  
7.  Add chicken broth as needed – make sure the consistency does not get too thick.