There are few meals that instantly evoke feelings of comfort, warmth, and the satisfaction of a perfectly balanced dish. For me, one such dish is Nigella Lawson’s Chicken with Chorizo and Cannellini Beans. It’s a dish that doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard to be anything other than delicious. It’s a perfect example of how the simplest ingredients can come together to create something hearty, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent.
I first tried this recipe on a rainy evening, when the kind of weather that begs for something cozy to be bubbling away on the stove. The air outside was damp, and inside, the warm, aromatic scent of chorizo sizzling in olive oil filled the kitchen. This is one of those recipes that, when it’s simmering, you can’t help but feel at home. What I love about it is how straightforward it is. No complicated techniques, no need for rare ingredients-just pure, simple cooking that delivers big, bold flavors.
But let’s dive into it. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just someone looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe will do the trick. It’s one of those dishes that you can almost make in your sleep, but every time you take a bite, you’re reminded of the magic that happens when food is cooked with care.
Nigella Lawson’s Chicken With Chorizo And Cannellini Beans Recipe
Nigella Lawson is a master at taking everyday ingredients and transforming them into something that feels luxurious. This recipe, in particular, showcases her talent for bringing together robust flavors in a way that’s effortless but incredibly satisfying. The chicken, rich with savory depth, marries so beautifully with the chorizo, which adds that signature smoky spice. The cannellini beans provide the perfect textural contrast-soft, creamy, and a perfect foil to the heat and richness of the chorizo.
What I love about this dish is how it feels like it could be a special Sunday dinner, but it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. You get that perfect blend of homey comfort and sophisticated flavor. Plus, there’s something about the combination of chicken and beans that feels like it could nourish not just the body, but the soul.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the actual cooking, let’s go over the ingredients that make this dish so delightful:
- Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The chicken is the heart of the dish, offering tenderness and richness. I prefer bone-in thighs because they stay juicier, and the skin crisps up beautifully in the pan.
- Chorizo: This is where the magic happens. The chorizo infuses the dish with a bold, smoky flavor, adding that irresistible depth that really makes this dish stand out. I use Spanish chorizo for that smoky, spicy kick, but feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- Cannellini Beans: These creamy, soft beans soak up all the wonderful flavors from the chorizo and chicken, making them the perfect comfort-food component of the dish.
- Onions: You can’t go wrong with onions. They form the base of the sauce, caramelizing in the pan and giving everything a slightly sweet, savory flavor.
- Garlic: A generous amount of garlic, because let’s be real-what’s a dish like this without garlic? It’s the aromatic backbone of any savory recipe.
- Tomato Paste: This adds richness and depth to the sauce, bringing it all together with its umami undertones.
- Chicken Stock: To add a little more liquid and create that luscious sauce, chicken stock is the perfect addition.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps to start the cooking process and adds to the richness of the dish.
- Herbs (Thyme and Bay Leaves): Fresh thyme and a couple of bay leaves lend their subtle fragrance to the sauce, adding an earthy layer to the entire dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, because seasoning is where the true flavor balance happens.
How To Make Nigella Lawson’s Chicken With Chorizo And Cannellini Beans?
Now, let’s talk about how to pull all of this together. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Nigella, it’s the power of letting ingredients speak for themselves. This recipe is all about simplicity and letting the flavors meld together slowly. Here’s how it’s done:
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Prepare The Chicken
Start by heating some olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan. While it heats up, season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Sear them until they’re golden and crispy-this should take about 6-7 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; it’s key to developing that deep, rich flavor from the chicken.
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Sauté The Chorizo And Onions
Once the chicken is browned and crispy, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped chorizo and onions. The chorizo will begin to release its oils, and the onions will soften and caramelize, absorbing all the flavors left behind from the chicken. This step takes a few minutes, but it’s worth the wait-the base of your sauce is coming together beautifully.
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Add Garlic And Tomato Paste
Now, toss in the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste and stir it in to coat the chorizo and onions. The tomato paste will darken a little, and that’s when you know it’s caramelizing and deepening in flavor.
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Simmer With Stock
Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where the magic happens, as everything begins to come together in a rich, flavorful sauce. Throw in your thyme and bay leaves, and then return the chicken thighs to the pan. Nestle them into the sauce, skin-side up, so that the crispy skin stays crisp. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and become beautifully tender.
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Add Cannellini Beans
Once the chicken is cooked through, add the cannellini beans, stirring them into the sauce. The beans will soak up the flavors and become soft and creamy. Let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
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Final Touches
Once everything is cooked and the sauce has reduced to a rich, velvety consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors, depending on your taste.
Now, you’re ready to serve! Spoon out a generous helping of the chicken, chorizo, and beans, ensuring that the crispy chicken skin stays on top, and drizzle some of that gorgeous sauce over everything.
Things I Learned
There are a few things I’ve learned from making Nigella’s Chicken with Chorizo and Cannellini Beans over the years. First, don’t rush the browning of the chicken. It’s tempting to want to throw it all in the pan and get things moving, but taking the time to sear the chicken skin to a deep golden color really enhances the flavor and texture.
Second, using good-quality chorizo is non-negotiable. The flavor of the chorizo is what ties the dish together, so I’ve found that investing in a flavorful, high-quality sausage really makes a difference.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning. As with any recipe, the balance of salt, pepper, and acidity is key to bringing out the best in the dish. Sometimes, I add a little squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar at the end to brighten things up.