Name: High-Protein Chicken & White Bean Skillet Bake
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (cannellini or great northern), drained and rinsed; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 lemon (zest and juice); 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

High-Protein Chicken & White Bean Skillet Bake

CandiedLemon8824

This High-Protein Chicken & White Bean Skillet Bake delivers serious comfort and nutrition in one easy, budget-friendly dish. By pairing juicy chicken thighs with creamy beans and a touch of cheddar, you get a flavor-packed, deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for batch cooking. The use of lemon zest and Dijon mustard brightens up the dish, while smoked paprika and thyme add that homey, American comfort food vibe. Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Each serving is packed with nearly 67g of protein, making it ideal for anyone focused on high-protein goals without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
Sear chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken to a plate (they will finish cooking in the oven).
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Stir in drained white beans, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Return chicken thighs to skillet, nestling them into the beans.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and cheese is bubbly.
Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Portion into 4 servings for batch meal prep.