Go Back
In an era where meal prep can often feel overwhelming, the Creamy Chickpea and Chicken Skillet emerges as a comforting and nutritious solution. This delightful dish artfully combines the protein-packed goodness of chicken with the fiber-rich benefits of chickpeas, creating a satisfying meal that is both hearty and wholesome. It's perfect for families seeking a balanced dinner option or anyone looking to indulge in a homemade dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Creamy Chickpea and Chicken Skillet

Discover the Creamy Chickpea and Chicken Skillet, a wholesome one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. This delicious dish combines protein-packed chicken and fiber-rich chickpeas, making it a nutritious option for the whole family. With the creamy goodness of coconut milk and the vibrant addition of fresh spinach, each bite is a comforting delight. Quick to prepare with minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a balanced, flavorful dinner with ease!

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)

1 cup baby spinach

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add Broth and Spices: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, and stir in the ground cumin and cayenne pepper, if using. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate all the flavorful bits.

        Incorporate Coconut Milk: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine with the broth and spices, creating a creamy base.

          Return the Chicken and Chickpeas: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the chickpeas. Stir to coat them in the sauce. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.

            Add Spinach: Gently fold in the baby spinach, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down.

              Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as necessary.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm over rice, quinoa, or enjoy it on its own!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings