Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet
A quick and easy one-pan Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet recipe that combines tender chicken, hearty chickpeas, and warm cumin spices for a flavorful, wholesome dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s nutritious, comforting, and adaptable to your taste preferences.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Legumes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
Spices & Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids
Oils & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of ground cumin to infuse flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often to prevent browning.
- Add Spices and Chickpeas: Sprinkle the ground cumin and any optional additional spices over the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir to evenly coat. Then add the chickpeas and stir well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with Chicken and Broth: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the chickpea mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, reduce heat to low, and cover. Let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top. This adds a burst of brightness and color to the dish.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful results, though they require slightly longer cooking time.
- Don’t skip searing the chicken; it adds essential depth and texture.
- Adjust the cumin and other spices gradually to suit your preferred spice level.
- Drain chickpeas thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the flavors.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley enhance the aroma and final presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cumin chicken, chickpeas, one-pan meal, quick dinner, gluten free, healthy recipe, easy skillet recipe