This Lemony Greek Chicken and Beans Stew is a vibrant, wholesome dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and fresh greens in a bright, garlicky lemon broth.
Its appeal lies in the balance of flavors—the warmth of rosemary and oregano, the subtle kick of chili flakes, and the refreshing tang of lemon—all harmonizing with nutrient-dense ingredients.
High in protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and spinach, this stew supports muscle health and digestive wellness while keeping you full and satisfied.
The olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, and the overall dish is moderate in saturated fat, making it a nourishing everyday meal.
Beyond health, it’s a practical recipe: quick to prepare, simple to cook in one pot, and flexible enough for meal prep, substitutions, or weeknight dinners.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Dutch Oven
Ideal for this stew, a Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution, perfect for browning chicken and simmering beans. Its versatility makes it a kitchen staple for soups, braises, and stews.
Chef’s Knife
Essential for cutting chicken, dicing onions, and chopping herbs with precision. A sharp chef’s knife saves time and ensures uniform cooking.
Cutting Board
Provides a safe and sanitary surface for prep work. A sturdy cutting board also protects your countertops from knife marks.
Citrus Juicer
Quickly extracts fresh lemon juice for a zesty flavor boost. Fresh juice enhances taste far beyond bottled alternatives.
Wooden Spoon
Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware. It’s durable, heat-resistant, and ideal for combining ingredients evenly.
Easy Lemony Greek Chicken Stew with Beans
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs. Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces, roughly 1–2 inches each. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and a tender texture. Set the chicken aside in a bowl while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Chop Aromatics: Dice one medium onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Roughly chop eight garlic cloves—don’t worry about perfection, as they will soften and infuse the stew with flavor. Set these aromatics aside separately for easy access during cooking.
- Heat the Oil: Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Pour in ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers. Olive oil is not just for cooking—it adds a subtle fruity richness and heart-healthy fats to the stew.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and chopped garlic to the hot oil. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, cooking until the onions become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the base flavor of the stew.
- Brown the Chicken: Lower the heat slightly to medium and add the prepared chicken pieces. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.Stir the chicken continuously to coat it evenly with the herbs and spices. Cook for 3–5 minutes until each piece is golden brown on all sides. Browning locks in juices and adds rich, savory depth.
- Add Beans and Broth: Drain and rinse 1 lb of canned white beans to remove excess sodium. Add the beans to the pot along with 3 cups of chicken broth. Squeeze the juice of one fresh lemon over the mixture to brighten the flavors.Stir gently to combine, ensuring the beans and chicken are evenly distributed.
- Simmer the Stew: Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for approximately 20 minutes. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender while the beans absorb the aromatic broth.
- Incorporate Greens and Fresh Herbs: Add 8 oz of fresh spinach leaves to the pot, followed by ¼ cup of chopped dill. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the herbs release their fragrance. This step adds vibrant color, freshness, and additional fiber to the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and additional lemon juice if desired. The lemon juice should be noticeable but balanced, giving the stew a refreshing, bright flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot stew into individual bowls. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side and a slice of crusty warm bread for dipping.The stew is now ready to enjoy as a satisfying, nutritious, and comforting meal.
Notes
- Chicken breasts, ground chicken, or turkey can be used instead of thighs for a lighter variation.
- White beans may be substituted with canned chickpeas or garbanzo beans without altering the flavor significantly.
- Adjust the chili flakes according to your heat preference, or omit entirely for a milder stew.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the bright, vibrant flavor it brings, but bottled juice may be used in a pinch.
- For meal prep, store the stew in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Chef’s Secrets For Best Flavor
The secret to an unforgettable stew lies in layering flavors. Start by properly browning the chicken—this creates a rich, savory base that elevates the entire dish.
Don’t rush the aromatics; letting onions and garlic soften slowly releases their natural sweetness.
Using fresh herbs like rosemary and dill adds a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the chicken.
Lastly, always finish with fresh lemon juice just before serving—this final touch enlivens the flavors, making the dish taste brighter and more vibrant.
Small details like even chopping and gentle stirring help maintain the texture of both the beans and spinach.
Serving Suggestions For Delicious Meals
This lemony Greek chicken stew pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up the garlicky broth.
For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
A side Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese complements the stew’s freshness while adding crunch and acidity.
Garnishing with extra fresh dill or lemon wedges enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor profile.
This stew is also ideal for family dinners or meal prep, as it reheats well without losing its taste or texture.
Storage Tips For Longer Freshness
Store leftover stew in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
When freezing, consider slightly undercooking the spinach and adding it fresh during reheating to maintain its vibrant color and texture. Avoid storing in metal containers to prevent any metallic taste.
Proper storage ensures the stew retains both flavor and nutrition, making it convenient for busy weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well and cook slightly faster. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the meat tender.
2. Can this stew be made vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the chicken with extra beans, lentils, or firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili flakes, giving a mild kick. Adjust according to your preference or leave them out for a gentle flavor.
4. Can I use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is preferred for its texture and flavor. Canned spinach can be used but may be softer and less vibrant, so add it toward the end to prevent overcooking.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the stew freezes beautifully. Store in airtight containers for up to three months. When reheating, add fresh lemon juice to restore brightness and flavor.
This recipe is inspired by thegreekfoodie and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.