Chicken and white bean cassoulet with Swiss chard in a Dutch oven, topped with golden garlic–herb crumbs

Chicken & Swiss Chard Cassoulet with Garlic–Herb Crumb Topping

This chicken & Swiss chard cassoulet is a hearty French-inspired casserole with beans, greens, and garlic–herb crumb topping—comforting yet nourishing.

Introduction

Cozy, comforting, and brimming with flavor, this chicken & Swiss chard cassoulet brings a French-inspired classic into your kitchen with a wholesome twist. Tender chicken thighs, hearty white beans, and earthy Swiss chard simmer together in a savory base, then finish with a golden garlic–herb crumb topping for irresistible crunch. It’s the perfect dish for a weekend dinner or a make-ahead meal that gets even better the next day.

🌿 Mindful Morsel

Swiss chard is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antioxidants that support anti-inflammatory pathways. Garlic and rosemary add immune-boosting compounds, while white beans provide plant-based fiber and steady, slow-burning energy. Together, these ingredients create a meal that comforts your soul while nourishing your body.

Recipe Information

  • Servings: 6–8

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 1 hr 10 min

  • Total Time: ~1 hr 30 min

  • Calories per Serving: ~420

Ingredients

  • 2 bunches Swiss chard

  • Olive oil

  • 12 oz chicken sausage links (Italian or plain)

  • ½ cup panko crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

  • 3 cloves garlic (or 2 tsp jarred, minced)

  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley

  • 1 whole yellow onion

  • 2–3 carrots

  • 2–3 celery stalks

  • ½ cup dry white wine

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs (about 8 pieces)

  • 1 cup chicken broth

  • 2–3 bay leaves (depending on size)

  • 1 Tbsp rosemary (fresh or dried) or herbes de Provence

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • Ground black pepper, to taste

  • Red pepper flakes, to taste

  • 3 cans (15 oz each) cannellini or Great Northern beans

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Strip Swiss chard leaves from stems. Thinly slice stems and roughly chop leaves. Chop carrots, celery, onion, garlic, parsley, and rosemary (if fresh).

  2. Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).

  3. Brown the sausage: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown sausage links 2–3 minutes per side. Remove, let cool, slice, and set aside.

  4. Make the topping: Add a drizzle of olive oil if needed. Toast panko crumbs, stirring often, until golden. Stir in ⅓ of the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Remove from heat, stir in parsley, and set aside.

  5. Build the base: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes. Stir in chard stems, carrots, and celery, cooking 2–3 minutes more. Add remaining garlic and cook 1 minute.

  6. Deglaze: Pour in wine, scraping up browned bits. Cook until liquid reduces by half.

  7. Add chicken & broth: Nestle chicken thighs into vegetables. Add broth, rosemary (or herbes de Provence), and bay leaves. Simmer 5–7 minutes to reduce slightly.

  8. Incorporate greens & beans: Stir in Swiss chard leaves by the handful until wilted. Add sliced sausage and beans. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  9. Bake: Transfer Dutch oven to oven (or move mixture into an ovenproof dish). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is tender and stew thickens.

  10. Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with garlic–herb panko crumb mixture.

Tips/Notes

  • Swap Swiss chard with kale or spinach if that’s what’s on hand.

  • For extra depth, add 1 tsp smoked paprika with the vegetables.

  • Even better the next day, as the flavors deepen beautifully, making this ideal for meal prep.

Social Media Callout

This chicken cassoulet with Swiss chard is French-inspired comfort food made mindful. Save it for your next cozy weekend dinner!