Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s hearty, healthy, and jam-packed with bold Mediterranean flavor, look no further than the Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet. This one-pan wonder brings together juicy chicken, tender chickpeas, a melody of aromatic spices, and bright fresh herbs for a meal you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet lies in its straightforward yet vibrant ingredients. Every component plays a unique role, balancing savory, smoky, and zesty tastes, plus plenty of hearty texture and beautiful color.

• Ground Cumin: The star spice, adding earthy warmth and subtle citrusy undertones.
• Paprika: Lends gentle smokiness and vivid color—smoked paprika is lovely if you have it!
• Ground Coriander: Bright, slightly floral notes set off the cumin perfectly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and bringing all the ingredients together.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy and lean; trim and dice for quick-cooking, juicy bites.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a gorgeous sear on the chicken and a flavorful base for your veggies.
• Yellow Onion: Chopped and sautéed until sweet and velvety.
• No-Salt-Added Tomato Paste: A double-concentrated hit of tomato umami and deep color.
• Garlic: Don’t be shy—those four fresh cloves add depth and aroma galore.
• No-Salt-Added Chickpeas (canned): Creamy, protein-rich, and a great source of fiber. Reserve a little liquid!
• No-Salt-Added Diced Tomatoes (canned): Provides sauciness, tang, and juicy burst in every bite.
• Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end brightens the whole skillet.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A shower on top brings freshness and terrific color.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so you can make it your own with whatever’s in your pantry, or tweak it to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative—there’s no wrong way to enjoy this skillet!

• Swap the Protein: Try boneless skinless thighs for richer flavor, or even cubed tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.
• Pile on the Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, baby spinach, or zucchini along with the onion for extra nutrition and color.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the spices if you love a little kick.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut milk at the end for a luscious, mellow finish.

How to Make Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet

Step 1: Toss the Chicken with Spices

Start by mixing ground cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add a tablespoon of this aromatic blend to your chicken pieces and toss them till they’re well-coated. Trust me, this step ensures every bite is deeply seasoned and fragrant—let those spices mingle while you prep the rest!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook, stirring every so often, until they’re golden on the outside but not cooked through, about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if they’re not fully done—this helps keep the chicken tender in the final dish. Transfer to a plate, but keep all those lovely browned bits in the pan!

Step 3: Sauté Onion, Tomato Paste, and Garlic

Add the rest of the olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion, tomato paste, minced garlic, and the remaining spice mixture. Cook, stirring gently, until the onion is soft and the tomato paste starts to darken—about 5 minutes. This builds a robust, savory base and infuses the whole skillet with bold aroma.

Step 4: Simmer with Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Drain your chickpeas, holding onto ½ cup of that silky can liquid. Add diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained chickpeas, the reserved chickpea liquid, and your barely-cooked chicken right into the skillet. Stir to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until everything is piping hot and the chicken is cooked through—just a few minutes longer!

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Just before serving, stir in a good squeeze of lemon juice to wake up all the flavors. Generously scatter chopped parsley over the top. That bright green pop is as eye-catching as it is refreshing—your Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley gives the dish a vibrant lift, but you can also toss on some crumbled feta, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a few toasted pine nuts for extra flair. Try a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for a cooling, creamy touch that plays beautifully against the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This skillet loves company! Spoon it over fluffy couscous, nutty brown rice, or buttery orzo. Warm naan or pita bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet family-style straight from the pan, or let guests build their own bowls with grains, chopped greens, and extra toppings. For grab-and-go lunches, pack it in meal-prep containers with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—it reheats like a dream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle in the fridge, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion into freezer-safe containers, allow to cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat gently from frozen for a fuss-free dinner later on.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works, too—just cover and use low power so the chicken stays moist and the flavors shine!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that hits all the right notes—bold flavor, nourishing ingredients, and weeknight-friendly ease—give this Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet a try. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious and satisfying this simple one-pan meal can be—enjoy every savory, lemony bite!

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