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Spicy Chicken And Chickpea

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Spicy Chicken and Chickpea is a bold and hearty dish combining tender, spiced chicken with creamy chickpeas in a richly seasoned base. Whether pan-cooked or oven-roasted, it’s a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes or 1 tbsp harissa
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil.
  2. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for sheet-pan method.
  3. For stovetop: In the skillet, heat remaining oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and chili flakes or harissa; cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in tomato paste or tomatoes, cook briefly, then add chicken to brown on all sides.
  5. Add chickpeas and mix to coat in the spices and tomato mixture. Cover and cook until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and chickpeas are heated through, about 20 minutes.
  6. For oven method: Toss chickpeas, onion, and spices with oil on a sheet pan. Nestle in seasoned chicken pieces. Roast for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked and chickpeas are slightly crisp. Broil 2–3 minutes for extra color if desired.
  7. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts work for leaner option.Canned chickpeas are convenient, but cooked-from-scratch chickpeas also work well.Adjust chili levels to your heat preference by varying harissa or chili flakes.Serve over couscous, rice, or with warm pita bread for a complete meal.Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store and reheat well with a splash of stock.

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