Citrus Paprika Chicken Thighs with White Bean Cream and Crispy Kale
💪 High Protein
Intermediate

Citrus Paprika Chicken Thighs with White Bean Cream and Crispy Kale

An original high-protein recipe featuring golden chicken thighs seasoned with paprika and lemon, served over a silky white bean cream and finished with crispy oven-baked kale. Comforting, flavorful, and practical for a complete meal.

20 minPrep
30 minCook
50 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh ProteinDiabetic-Friendly

Important notice: This recipe is not medical advice. Consult your healthcare professional.

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 600 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en filetes gruesos si son muy large)
  • 400 g cooked white beans (escurridas and enjuagadas)
  • 120 g kale (without stalks duros and troceado)
  • 120 g plain Greek yogurt (for the cream)
  • 180 ml chicken broth (low sodium if possible)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 10 g garlic (chopped)
  • 1 unit lemon (zest fina and 30 ml/2 tbsp of zumo)
  • 6 g sweet paprika
  • 2 g ground cumin
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 10 g Dijon mustard
  • 6 g salt (ajustar to taste)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 25 g pumpkin seeds (for terminar)
  • 80 g onion (chopped fina)

Nutrition facts

per serving

438 kcal
Calories
42 g
Protein
18 g
Carbs
21 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
12 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

DairyMustard

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    2. In a bowl, mix 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, sweet paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, lemon zest, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs well with this mixture.

  3. 3

    3. Place the kale on a baking tray. Toss it with 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread it out in a single layer.

  4. 4

    4. Bake the kale for 8 to 10 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until crisp around the edges. Remove and set aside.

  5. 5

    5. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes per side.

  6. 6

    6. Transfer the chicken to an oven-safe dish and finish cooking for 10 to 12 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  7. 7

    7. In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat and cook the onion and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until softened.

  8. 8

    8. Add the cooked white beans, chicken broth, 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors combine.

  9. 9

    9. Blend the bean mixture with the plain Greek yogurt until smooth. If desired, return it to low heat for 1 minute without boiling.

  10. 10

    10. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a small pan for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat, shaking the pan so they do not burn.

  11. 11

    11. To serve, spread the white bean cream onto plates, top with the chicken thighs, add the crispy kale, and finish with the pumpkin seeds and a little extra lemon zest if desired.

Chef tips

For a silkier texture, blend the bean cream while it is still warm. If the kale browns too quickly, remove it as soon as the edges look crisp.

Substitutions

You can use chicken breast instead of thighs, adjusting the cooking time so it does not dry out. Kale can be replaced with sautéed spinach, and white beans can be swapped for cannellini or other cooked white beans.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
    View on Amazon

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