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Italian-Style Braised Whole Chicken with Cavolo Nero & Butter Beans

A rustic, spoonable whole chicken dish that leans on slow braising rather than roasting. Jointed chicken is gently cooked with garlic, white wine, tomatoes and rosemary until tender, before being finished with butter beans and cavolo nero for fibre and body. It is deeply comforting, collagen-rich and satisfying without the need for pasta or bread.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1 whole chicken (1.6–1.8kg), jointed into 8 pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 sticks celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 150ml dry white wine
  • 400g chopped tomatoes
  • 250ml good chicken stock
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 x 400g tins butter beans (480g drained weight), rinsed
  • 200g cavolo nero, stalks removed and sliced
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • Small handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to finish
METHOD

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan (180°C conventional).
  2. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large casserole over medium–high heat. Brown the chicken pieces skin-side down until golden, then turn and colour lightly on the other side. Remove and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat slightly. Add onion and celery with a pinch of salt and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  5. Add sliced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and allow to reduce by half.
  6. Stir in chopped tomatoes, stock, rosemary, bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Return the chicken pieces to the pot, skin-side up. The liquid should come about two-thirds of the way up the chicken.
  8. Cover and transfer to the oven. Braise for 1 hour 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender and reaches 75°C internally at the thickest point.
  9. Remove the lid. Stir in the butter beans and cavolo nero around the chicken pieces.
  10. Return to the oven uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the greens are tender and the sauce has thickened to a rich, glossy consistency.
  11. Remove rosemary and bay leaves. Finish with lemon zest, chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Multi-Cooker Option (Ninja Foodi MAX)

  1. Select Sauté (High) and brown the chicken pieces in batches. Remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion and celery until softened, then add garlic.
  3. Deglaze with white wine and reduce.
  4. Add tomatoes, stock and herbs. Return chicken to the pot.
  5. Pressure cook on High for 20 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before venting.
  6. Switch to Sauté (Medium), stir in beans and cavolo nero, and simmer uncovered for 6–8 minutes until thickened.
  7. Ensure chicken remains above 75°C before serving.

Sides

  • Garlicky sautéed spinach – Quick-cooked and lightly dressed with olive oil for additional greens.
  • Braised fennel with lemon – Soft and aromatic, echoing the Italian herb profile.
  • Roasted courgettes with thyme – Lightly caramelised and simple.
  • Cauliflower mash with olive oil – Smooth and comforting without starch.
  • Shaved cabbage and apple salad – Crisp, sharp and refreshing alongside the braise.
  • Grilled aubergine slices – Smoky depth that pairs well with tomato and beans.

Matches

  • Rosemary and thyme
  • Lemon zest and parsley
  • Garlic and white wine
  • Anchovy melted into the base for added savouriness
  • Chilli flakes for gentle warmth
  • Aged pecorino, finely grated
  • Good olive oil
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (including jointing and browning).
Cooking Time: 1 hour 40 minutes total (including final reduction), or approximately 45 minutes using the pressure method.

Hot Tips

  • Browning the chicken skin properly builds the backbone of the sauce.
  • Keep the braise gentle; a rolling boil will toughen the meat.
  • Add the cavolo nero late to preserve texture and colour.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to thicken naturally.
  • The leftover bones make an excellent stock base for a vegetable-rich soup.