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–+ servings

Comforting Chicken, Chickpeas, and Rice Bowl

This hearty dish features tender chicken thighs simmered with chickpeas and fragrant rice, all cooked together in a flavorful broth with spices. The final result is a warm, fluffy bowl with tender meat, soft chickpeas, and aromatic rice, topped with a bright squeeze of lemon for balance. It’s a simple, comforting meal that evokes cozy Sunday afternoons and home-cooked goodness.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 520kcal
Author: Austin Carter
Servings: 4

Equipment

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on – 4 pieces
  • Chickpeas canned – 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • Long-grain rice rinsed thoroughly – 1.5 cups
  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Medium onion finely chopped – 1
  • Garlic minced – 3 cloves
  • Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
  • Sweet or smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Chicken or vegetable broth – 3 cups
  • Lemon – 1 for squeezing at the end
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  • Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat
  • Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until crispy and golden (about 6–7 minutes), then flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes
  • Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside
  • In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes)
  • Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant
  • Stir in rinsed rice, making sure it’s coated in the oil and spices
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil
  • Lower the heat to a simmer, add chickpeas, and return the chicken thighs to the skillet
  • Cover and cook for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 950mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg