Chicken And Chickpeas
A hearty, flavorful chicken and chickpea stew with tomatoes and peppers, perfect for a comforting meal that suits family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag.
- Add chicken pieces to the bag and shake until coated.
- In a nonstick frying pan, melt margarine and heat oil until bubbly.
- Add chicken to the pan and sauté over high heat until browned on all sides.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium; add chopped green pepper and onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender (1 to 2 minutes).
- Add chopped tomatoes, chickpeas, and chicken stock powder to the pan.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Return the browned chicken to the pan.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and let simmer for 25 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic before coating it with flour. You can substitute the chickpeas with white beans or lentils if desired. Using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance the dish's taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference, and for a twist, try adding some cumin or paprika, which complements Mediterranean recipes well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken and Chickpeas dish over fluffy rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the flavors. For an extra kick, serve with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki on top. Consider exploring other chicken recipes that incorporate chickpeas for more delicious options.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture during reheating. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Chickpeas contains roughly 289 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 712mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you forget to thaw, you can cook them from frozen, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for chickpeas in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for chickpeas, white beans or lentils make excellent alternatives. They will provide a similar texture and protein content. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly depending on the substitute you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Chicken and Chickpeas, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the sautéed vegetables. You could also serve it with a spicy sauce on the side or add a splash of hot sauce to taste before serving. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).