---
author: Kenji López-Alt
source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=g7s9CoBRS1o&is=5X8WjVnP0niX9omc
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7s9CoBRS1o
hero: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g7s9CoBRS1o/maxresdefault.jpg
tags: [dinner, chicken]
tried: false
added: 2026-10-14
---

# Braised Chicken Thighs with White Beans and Spinach

## Brown the Chicken

1. Season (6)[bone-in skin-on chicken thighs] on both sides with ()[salt] and ()[pepper].

2. Nestle chicken thighs in skin side down.
3. Render and brown the skin for about 8 minutes until deep golden and starting to crisp.
4. Lightly season the second side with [salt] and [pepper], then flip and briefly brown the bottom.
5. Remove chicken and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

## Build the Braise Base

6. Dice (1 stalk)[celery], (1)[carrot], and (1/2)[onion].
7. Add celery, carrots, and onion to the pan with the chicken fat over medium heat.
8. Add (3 sprigs)[rosemary] and sweat the vegetables until softened, without browning.
9. Roughly mince (4 or so cloves)[garlic] and add to the pan.
10. Sweat garlic without browning, about 1 minute.
11. Add (142g)[baby spinach] and let it wilt over medium-low heat.
12. Add (2 cans)[cannellini beans] with their liquid.
13. Add enough ()[chicken broth] to make the mixture nicely brothy.
14. Taste and season lightly with [salt] — keep it slightly underseasoned as it will reduce during braising.

## Braise in the Oven

15. Preheat oven to 350°F.
16. Bring the bean mixture to a simmer on the stovetop.
17. Nestle chicken thighs back in so the meat is submerged but the skin sits above the liquid.
18. Place uncovered on the lower-middle rack and braise for about 45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is crispy, and the top beans have browned.

## Make the Rosemary-Lemon Finishing Oil

19. Very finely mince extra ()[rosemary] sprigs.
20. Combine minced rosemary with ()[lemon zest], ()[lemon juice], and ()[olive oil] (for finishing oil) in a small bowl at approximately a 2:1 ratio of oil to juice.
21. Season with [salt] and [pepper] and taste to adjust.

## Finish and Serve

22. Drizzle the rosemary-lemon oil over the braise, avoiding the chicken skin so it stays crispy.
23. Serve with chicken, brothy beans, and [baby spinach].