Chicken with Chickpeas

Chicken with Chickpeas Recipe from Egypt | Ingredients and Instructions

Region / culture: Egypt | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken with chickpeas is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful chickpeas in a rich and aromatic sauce. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Chicken with chickpeas is a popular dish in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of tender chicken and creamy chickpeas cooked in a flavorful sauce is a classic and timeless recipe.

Ingredients

4 tbsp of butter
3-5 lb (2.27 kg) of chicken pieces, trimmed of fat and cut into serving size pieces
2 medium onions, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
1 can of chickpeas (19 oz (539 g) or 540 ml)
1.5 - 2 cups of water (I added 2 chicken bouillon cubes)
3 tbsp of tomato paste
0.5 tsp of allspice
1 tsp of chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a large skillet, sauté the chicken pieces in the butter over medium heat until they turn golden brown. Be sure to turn them several times, ensuring even browning.
Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet and set aside. Add the onions and stir-fry until they begin to brown. Add the garlic and coriander leaves and stir-fry for about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients, including the chicken pieces, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken pieces are fully cooked. Serve hot over rice.

Variations

You can add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the chicken pieces well before adding them to the sauce. This will help to develop a rich and deep flavor in the dish.

- You can customize the spices in this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add more or less chili powder, allspice, or pepper to adjust the heat level.

- For a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the dish towards the end of cooking. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce until it thickens.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken with chickpeas over cooked rice or couscous for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown before adding them to the sauce to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmer the dish over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts instead of bone-in chicken pieces.

- Substitute vegetable broth for chicken bouillon cubes for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken with chickpeas in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. - Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for extra creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this dish with a side of warm pita bread or naan for a complete meal.

- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- This dish is relatively low in calories, with about 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

- Chickpeas are a good source of carbohydrates, providing about 45 grams per cup.

- The tomato paste in this recipe also contributes to the carbohydrate content, with about 10 grams per 2 tablespoons.

Fats

- The butter in this recipe adds richness and flavor, but also contributes to the fat content. There are about 31 grams of fat in 4 tablespoons of butter.

- The chicken pieces also contain some fat, depending on the cut you use.

Proteins

- Chicken is a great source of protein, with about 43 grams per 3-ounce serving.

- Chickpeas are also high in protein, providing about 15 grams per cup.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and folate.

- Cilantro is rich in vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (if using chicken bouillon cubes), so be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Chicken with chickpeas is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Chicken with chickpeas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe combines tender chicken pieces with flavorful chickpeas in a rich and aromatic sauce, creating a satisfying and comforting meal. Enjoy this dish with rice or couscous and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, gather fresh herbs from her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her kitchen to show me how to make one of her favorite dishes: Chicken with Chickpeas.

As Mrs. Jenkins began to gather the ingredients, I watched in awe as she effortlessly chopped onions, garlic, and tomatoes with a skill that only years of practice could bring. She explained to me that she had learned this recipe from her mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

As the rich aroma of the spices filled the kitchen, Mrs. Jenkins told me the story behind the dish. She explained that in her family, this dish was often made during celebrations and gatherings, as it was a symbol of unity and togetherness. The chicken represented strength and resilience, while the chickpeas represented prosperity and abundance. It was a dish that brought people together, no matter their differences.

I listened intently as Mrs. Jenkins added the chicken and chickpeas to the simmering pot, along with a blend of fragrant spices and herbs. She stirred the mixture gently, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a symphony of taste and aroma. As she ladled the finished dish onto plates, the steam rising in a tantalizing swirl, I knew that I had to learn how to make this recipe for myself.

Over the years, I have made Chicken with Chickpeas countless times, each time adding my own touch to the dish. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish to a new generation. And as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing the ingredients and stirring the pot with the same practiced hand as Mrs. Jenkins, I am filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for the culinary heritage that has been passed down to me.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Chicken with Chickpeas, the flavors dancing on my tongue, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that will last a lifetime. And as I take another bite, savoring the taste of the dish that has been a part of my family for generations, I am filled with a sense of wonder at the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.