Looking for delicious, easy, and quick dinner ideas? Look no further! Weeknights can be chaotic, but with these 20 flavorful chicken and bean recipes, you’ll have a arsenal of options to whip up a tasty meal in no time. From burritos to casseroles, soups to stews, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy or creamy, smoky or herby, our list has it all.
From classic comfort foods to international-inspired dishes, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. With a mix of simple and more complex dishes, there’s something for every skill level and taste preference. So go ahead, get cooking, and make mealtime a breeze with these 20 flavorful chicken and bean recipes.
Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burritos
A flavorful and filling burrito filled with spicy chicken, creamy black beans, and crispy tortillas.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with spice mixture.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble burritos by filling each tortilla with chicken, black beans, shredded cheese, and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy White Bean and Chicken Chili
A hearty and comforting chili recipe that combines tender chicken, creamy white beans, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro (if desired).
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Butter Chicken with Cannellini Beans
This comforting dish combines tender chicken, rich garlic butter sauce, and creamy cannellini beans for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. In a separate pot, combine cannellini beans, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
5. Serve chicken with garlic butter sauce spooned over top and cannellini bean mixture on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Chipotle Chicken and Pinto Bean Stew
This hearty stew combines the smokiness of chipotle peppers with the comfort of tender chicken and creamy pinto beans. Perfect for a chilly evening, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, pinto beans, chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Herb Chicken and Garbanzo Bean Salad
Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing salad featuring citrusy lemon, aromatic herbs, and protein-rich chicken paired with nutty garbanzo beans. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can garbanzo beans (15 ounces), drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken breast in a shallow baking dish and brush with the lemon mixture.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest before slicing into strips.
6. In a large bowl, combine garbanzo beans, parsley, and sliced chicken.
7. Drizzle with white wine vinegar (if using) and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Kidney Bean Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines chicken, kidney beans, and vegetables in one pan, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the chicken over medium-high heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, cream of chicken soup, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken and Baked Beans
Get ready for a mouth-watering combination of tender chicken and sweet baked beans, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 can (16 oz) baked beans
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine chicken, BBQ sauce, baked beans, onion, garlic, and cumin.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the mixture to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Skillet
This Mediterranean-inspired skillet dish combines the richness of chicken, chickpeas, and feta cheese with the brightness of lemon and herbs. It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 lemons, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, chickpeas, parsley, feta cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon slices if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Cajun Chicken and Red Bean Jambalaya
This classic Louisiana dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun chicken with the hearty goodness of red beans, all wrapped up in a one-pot wonder. Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this easy-to-make jambalaya recipe!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the red beans, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat with the spice mixture.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas
A flavorful and satisfying twist on traditional quesadillas, these cheesy chicken and black bean fillings are sure to please. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, black beans, and cheese.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken mixture on half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the filling is heated through.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Thai Coconut Chicken and Green Curry Beans
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and spicy green curry sauce with flavorful beans. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup green curry paste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup cooked kidney beans (or substitute with black beans or chickpeas)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in green curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and add cooked beans. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low; let sauce thicken, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Navy Beans
A sweet and tangy twist on classic chicken and beans, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup navy beans, cooked
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in the balsamic glaze and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked navy beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some of the bean mixture over each breast.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mexican Chicken and Refried Bean Tostadas
A flavorful and filling snack or meal that combines the richness of chicken, beans, and cheese with the crunch of tostada shells.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1 can refried beans (14.5 oz)
– 8-10 corn tortillas (tostada shells)
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, cut into wedges
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Arrange tostada shells on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cooked chicken, refried beans, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
4. Assemble tostadas by spreading a spoonful of the chicken-bean mixture onto each shell, followed by a sprinkle of cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro.
5. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed Chicken and Lima Bean Soup
This hearty soup combines the comforting flavors of chicken, lima beans, and fresh herbs for a cozy meal on a chilly day. With its creamy texture and robust flavor profile, it’s perfect for a family dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups lima beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chicken in a little bit of oil until cooked through.
2. Add the lima beans, chicken broth, heavy cream, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lima beans are tender.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If using garlic, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Butter Beans
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines crispy fried chicken, tangy sweet and sour sauce, and creamy butter beans for a flavorful and satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have this mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cornstarch
– 2 cups butter beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together chicken pieces and cornstarch. Toss to coat.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from pan.
3. In the same pan, add butter beans, garlic, and sweet and sour sauce. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until beans are coated in the sauce.
4. Return chicken to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute, combining with the sauce and beans.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pesto Chicken and Great Northern Bean Pasta
A creamy and flavorful one-pot pasta dish that combines the richness of pesto with the comforting warmth of chicken and beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 8 oz. Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
– 12 oz. pasta (such as pappardelle or fettuccine)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
4. Add beans, pesto sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the bean mixture.
6. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas
A flavorful fusion of Caribbean spices and Southern comfort, this dish is a perfect blend of jerk seasoning and creamy black-eyed peas. Serve with rice or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp Jamaican jerk seasoning
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 tsp cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for browning
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, onion, garlic, and cumin.
3. Season the chicken with the jerk mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add the black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the browned chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the black-eyed peas mixture.
8. Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken and Edamame Stir-Fry
A sweet and savory stir-fry that combines the flavors of teriyaki sauce with succulent chicken and crunchy edamame. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup edamame, shelled and deveined
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the edamame, garlic, teriyaki sauce, and soy sauce to the skillet.
4. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the edamame is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Chicken and Fava Bean Stew
A hearty and aromatic stew that combines the flavors of rosemary, garlic, and fava beans with tender chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 cup fava beans (canned or cooked)
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 celery stalk, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, rosemary, onion, carrot, and celery; cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in fava beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional rosemary if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Buffalo Chicken and Pinto Bean Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the spicy kick of buffalo chicken with the creamy richness of pinto beans.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
– 1 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot or similar)
– 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place in a baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, buffalo sauce, and pinto beans. Mix well.
4. Stuff each pepper with the chicken-bean mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 delicious chicken and bean recipes! From burritos to casseroles, stews to salads, and quesadillas to pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone. Try Spicy Chicken and Black Bean Burritos, Creamy White Bean and Chicken Chili, or Garlic Butter Chicken with Cannellini Beans. Or go international with Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Skillet, Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas, or Teriyaki Chicken and Edamame Stir-Fry. Whatever your taste, these recipes are sure to satisfy!
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