Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Skillet
In short: Chicken thighs simmered with chickpeas, tomatoes and warm spices in one skillet, finished with lemon and herbs. Easy and budget-friendly. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 510 kcal
Chickpeas soak up spiced tomato sauce well, and chicken thighs give it body, so this dish is filling without being heavy. Cumin, coriander, paprika and a little cinnamon build a warm, savory base that is mild enough for most families. It all cooks in one skillet in under an hour. Spoon it over rice or couscous, or scoop it up with flatbread.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with half the salt. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 4 minutes per side. Move it to a plate.
- Add the onion to the pan and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon and chili flakes and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, stock and the remaining salt. Bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits.
- Return the chicken and its juices to the pan. Cover partly and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reads 74°C (165°F) and the sauce is thick.
- Stir in the lemon juice, taste and adjust the salt, then scatter with herbs. Serve hot.
Tips
- For a thicker sauce, crush a few chickpeas against the side of the pan with a spoon and simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale for the last 3 minutes, and a spoonful of tomato paste for a deeper flavor.
Questions and answers
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes. Use 200 g (1 cup) of dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and simmered for about 45 minutes until nearly tender, before adding them to the skillet.
Can I make spiced chicken and chickpeas ahead?
Yes. It improves after a day in the fridge and keeps for 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water.
Is this dish spicy?
No. The spices are warm rather than hot. Add chili flakes or fresh chili to taste.
How long does it take to make Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Skillet?
About 55 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Spiced Chicken and Chickpea Skillet?
About 510 kcal per serving, with 45 g of protein, 32 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 510 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 1250 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
