Dinner

Italian Garlic Chicken with White Bean & Rosemary Mash Recipe

Name: Italian Garlic Chicken with White Bean & Rosemary Mash Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 egg; 2 garlic cloves; 20g parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp milk; 4 chicken thigh fillets; 2 tbsp plain flour; Light olive oil, for shallow-frying; 150g fresh white breadcrumbs (frozen is fine); 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 rosemary sprigs; 2 x 400g cans cannellini beans; 1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges; Salt and pepper, to taste; Cooked green beans; Lemon wedges

ByNoah Steele December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

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Introduction

This Italian garlic chicken with white bean and rosemary mash is a deliciously flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken thighs with a creamy, herby bean mash. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner that feels special without being complicated.

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left is a golden-brown breaded chicken cutlet, slightly cut to show white meat inside, with coarse salt sprinkled on top; in the center is a creamy, off-white scoop of mashed potatoes, topped with fresh green rosemary leaves and black pepper; on the right is a small pile of bright green beans. Three lemon wedges are placed near the mashed potatoes and beans, with one wedge resting beside a silver knife on the plate's edge. A fork touches the chicken, and the scene is set on a white marbled surface with a coral-colored textured cloth beneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 egg
2 garlic cloves

20g parmesan
2 tbsp milk

4 chicken thigh fillets
2 tbsp plain flour

Light olive oil, for shallow-frying
150g fresh white breadcrumbs (frozen is fine)
Cooked green beans, to serve

1 tbsp olive oil
2 rosemary sprigs
2 x 400g cans cannellini beans

1 lemon, cut into 6 wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Crack the egg into a bowl. Peel the garlic and finely grate it into the egg. Using the same grater, grate the parmesan into the egg mixture. Add the milk, a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk everything together.
Step 2: Open out the chicken thigh fillets and cut each into two pieces. Lightly bash each piece with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1cm thick. Dust the chicken pieces with flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 3: Heat a drizzle of light olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Pour the breadcrumbs onto a shallow plate. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg mixture using tongs, then coat with breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
Step 4: Fry the chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side until golden, crunchy, and cooked through. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
Step 5: Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan over high heat. Fry the rosemary sprigs for 2-3 minutes until crisp, then remove and set aside.

Step 6: Drain the cannellini beans, reserving the liquid. Add the beans to the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Warm gently, mashing the beans with a wooden spoon to create a coarse mash. Add reserved liquid as needed to reach your preferred texture.
Step 7: Season the mash with salt, pepper, and squeeze in 1-2 lemon wedges to taste.
Step 8: Divide the white bean mash and chicken between plates. Strip the crisp rosemary leaves from the stalks and crumble over the chicken. Serve with lemon wedges and green beans on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add some chopped fresh parsley or basil to the bean mash before serving.
If you prefer a smoother mash, use a potato masher or hand blender to puree the beans more thoroughly.
Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but watch cooking times to avoid drying out.

Swap cannellini beans for butter beans or chickpeas for a different texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and bean mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to keep the chicken crispy and the mash warm. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken coating soggy.

How to Serve

On a white speckled plate sits a meal with three main parts. On the left is a piece of golden brown crispy breaded chicken, partly cut open to show white juicy meat inside. To the right is a smooth, creamy layer of mashed potatoes topped with fresh green rosemary leaves and black pepper. Below the potatoes is a small bunch of bright green fresh green beans. Two lemon wedges rest at top left of the plate and one lemon wedge is near the knife on the right edge of the plate. A silver fork pierces the chicken from the left, and a silver knife lies on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a folded rust-colored textured cloth, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken thighs before preparing to ensure even cooking and proper coating adherence.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Double dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating, and be sure to fry in plenty of oil over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan.