Description
This High-Protein Spicy Chicken & Chickpeas recipe is a flavorful and nutritious dish featuring tender chicken breast sautéed with spicy crushed red pepper, garlic, and hearty chickpeas. Enhanced with fresh scallions, parsley, and a splash of lemon juice, it makes a perfect quick and healthy meal packed with protein and a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Chickpeas
- 1 pound / 400g chicken breast, boneless, skinless, chopped
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper / chili flakes
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Fresh Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 scallions, thinly chopped
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare and sauté the chicken: Chop the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Add chickpeas and garlic: Remove the lid and add the rinsed and drained chickpeas to the pan. Stir continuously for another 3-4 minutes to combine flavors. Add the minced garlic and continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Incorporate scallions and finish cooking: Add the thinly chopped scallions to the pan and stir well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and all ingredients are well combined.
- Add fresh herbs and lemon juice: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the lemon juice and chopped parsley on top for a fresh, zesty finish. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the flavors.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve hot for a satisfying high-protein meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple tomato cucumber salad, tzatziki, or hummus for a full Mediterranean-inspired plate.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked through with no pink in the center before serving.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spice level.
- Use canned chickpeas for convenience; dried chickpeas require prior soaking and cooking.
- This dish can be served with rice, quinoa, or flatbread for a more substantial meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: high-protein chicken, spicy chicken chickpeas, quick chicken recipe, healthy Mediterranean chicken, chicken and chickpeas sauté
