Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a one-pan wonder that’s bursting with warmth, spice, and weeknight simplicity, the Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet was made for you! Imagine juicy chicken, creamy chickpeas, tomatoes, and a tumble of fragrant spices coming together in just 35 minutes—this is healthy comfort food with serious Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how much flavor you’ll coax out of these everyday ingredients! Every spice and veggie in the Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet plays an important role—layering warmth, freshness, and color to create a meal that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

• Ground Cumin: The essential earthy spice—it brings warmth and a subtle smokiness that defines the dish.
• Paprika: Adds a vibrant hue and just a touch of sweet pepper flavor for balance.
• Ground Coriander: Lends a gentle citrusy note that pairs deliciously with the lemon juice at the end.
• Salt & Ground Pepper: Don’t underestimate the power of generous seasoning here to make every bite shine.
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cubed for tenderness; they soak up every bit of the spice blend.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Keeps everything luscious and helps bloom the spices for maximum flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Adds natural sweetness as it softens and melds into the sauce base.
• No-Salt-Added Tomato Paste: Lets the tomato flavor shine without overpowering the dish—plus it creates body for the sauce.
• Garlic: Four cloves to ensure every bite has plenty of savory depth.
• No-Salt-Added Chickpeas: For creaminess, satisfying texture, and protein that complements the chicken.
• No-Salt-Added Diced Tomatoes: For juiciness and bright acidity, bringing the skillet together.
• Lemon Juice: Squeezed in at the end for an irresistible hit of freshness that wakes up the whole dish.
• Chopped Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley: Your vibrant, herby finishing touch!

Variations

Part of the charm of the Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet is how effortless it is to put your own twist on it. Don’t be afraid to play with what’s in your pantry or cater to your family’s favorite flavors—the recipe is incredibly flexible!

• Swap Chicken for Thighs or Tofu: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer bite, or substitute firm tofu for a completely plant-based version.
• Add Extra Veggies: Fold in baby spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color, nutrients, and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you love a bit of heat.
• Herb Swap: Use cilantro or mint in place of parsley for a new twist on the finishing flavor.

How to Make Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet

Step 1: Mix and Marinate the Chicken

Start by making your spice blend: combine cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss about a tablespoon of this golden mixture over your chicken pieces, making sure every morsel is generously coated. This quick marinate infuses real flavor deep into the meat before you even hit the stovetop.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken in a single layer—let it sizzle, and stir occasionally until it’s just browned on the outside (it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet). Scoop the chicken out onto a plate so it stays juicy, and keep all that tasty fond in the pan for the next step.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add another splash of olive oil, then toss in the chopped onion, tomato paste, garlic, and your remaining spice mixture. Stir it all together and cook until the onion softens and the spices are fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing! This creates a perfect flavor base for all the sauciness ahead.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained chickpeas, and a half cup of the chickpea liquid for creamy richness. Tumble the browned chicken pieces back in, stir, and bring the whole skillet to a lively simmer. Cover, reduce heat, and let it bubble gently for about 3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Brighten & Serve

Turn off the heat, stir in that fresh squeeze of lemon juice for a zippy finish, and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley. Ladle your gorgeous Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet into bowls and enjoy every savory, vibrant bite!

How to Serve Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet

Garnishes

Garnishing this dish is both easy and satisfying—a final shower of chopped flat-leaf parsley adds freshness and color. For an extra special touch, try a sprinkle of crumbled feta, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a few mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet with warm pita, steamed basmati rice, or a tangle of quick-sauteed greens for a more robust meal. Even a simple crunchy salad with lemon vinaigrette brings a lovely contrast to the hearty stew-like skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this skillet straight from the pan family-style for cozy dinners, or ladle portions into shallow bowls and top with a dramatic smear of Greek yogurt for your next dinner party. For a fun twist, try serving leftovers as a filling for toasted wraps or spooned over a baked sweet potato!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This recipe is made for meal prep! Cool leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave single portions in a covered bowl for speedy lunches—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cumin Chicken & Chickpea Skillet is everything I love in a weeknight dinner—hearty yet healthy, vibrant with real spices, and always ready in 35 minutes. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds (and maybe sharing the recipe with all your friends!).

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