Savory Mediterranean Chicken with Chickpeas and Raisins
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this Savory Mediterranean Chicken with Chickpeas and Raisins recipe. Tender chicken thighs are simmered to perfection in a fragrant blend of spices, honey, and tangy lemon zest, creating a delightful sauce that beautifully complements the earthy chickpeas and sweet dark raisins. This one-pot meal is not only flavorful but also nourishing, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a comforting and satisfying experience with each bite. Share this delightful dish with friends and family and transport them to the Mediterranean coast!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Garlic
2 tablespoons (fresh, minced)
Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon (none)
Turmeric
1 tablespoon (none)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Lemon Zest
2 teaspoons (none)
Flour
1 tablespoon (none)
Chicken Broth
3 cups (none)
Honey
3 tablespoons (none)
Canned Chickpeas
1 1/2 cups (drained)
Dark Raisins
1/2 cup (none)
Chicken Thighs
8 (skinless)
Salt
to taste (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Cooking Oil
3-5 tablespoons (for browning chicken)
Instructions
1
Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Heat 3-5 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
2
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3
Add ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon to the skillet. Stir well with a wooden spoon to coat the onions and garlic with the spices, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stirring well to combine and create a roux. Cook the mixture for another minute to remove the raw flour taste.
5
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the honey and lemon zest, mixing well to combine.
6
Reseat the browned chicken thighs in the skillet with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
7
After 15 minutes, add the dark raisins to the skillet and stir. Continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and cook through.
8
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a serving plate.
9
Add the drained chickpeas to the sauce in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes to heat the chickpeas through.
10
If the sauce needs to be thickened, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
11
Serve the chicken thighs topped with the chickpea and raisin sauce over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mediterranean Chicken with Chickpeas and Raisins?
It is a flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with spices, honey, lemon zest, chickpeas, and raisins.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 skinless chicken thighs, which stay tender and flavorful during the simmering process.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
Brown the chicken on both sides in cooking oil for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs are more traditional for this dish as they remain juicy during longer cooking times.
What spices are used in this Mediterranean dish?
This recipe uses a blend of ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon for an aromatic flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, the chicken, aromatics, and sauce components are all prepared in a single large skillet.
How do I prepare the onions and garlic?
You should use one large chopped onion and two tablespoons of fresh minced garlic.
How do I thicken the Mediterranean sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the skillet until the desired consistency is reached.
When should I add the chickpeas to the skillet?
The drained chickpeas should be added at the end of the cooking process and heated through for about 5 minutes.
What type of raisins are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of dark raisins to add a sweet contrast to the savory spices.
Can I substitute the dark raisins?
While dark raisins are traditional, you could use golden raisins or dried currants as a substitute.
What role does honey play in this recipe?
Honey provides a gentle sweetness that balances the tang of the lemon zest and the earthiness of the cumin and turmeric.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 3 cups of chicken broth to create the base of the savory sauce.
What is the purpose of adding flour to the onions?
Sprinkling flour over the sautéed onions and garlic creates a roux that helps thicken the chicken broth into a sauce.
What is the recommended side dish for this chicken?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy cooked rice to soak up the delicious chickpea and raisin sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
When are the raisins added to the dish?
Add the raisins after the chicken has simmered for the first 15 minutes, then continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
How can I prevent lumps when adding the broth?
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to ensure a smooth sauce.
Can I use dried chickpeas?
Yes, but they must be soaked and cooked beforehand. This recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of canned, drained chickpeas for convenience.
Is this Mediterranean chicken recipe spicy?
The dish is highly aromatic and flavorful but not 'hot' spicy, making it suitable for most palates.
How do I use the lemon in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of lemon zest to add a bright, tangy flavor to the sauce.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Use 3-5 tablespoons of your preferred cooking oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, to brown the chicken.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a nourishing meal featuring lean protein from chicken and fiber from chickpeas.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to provide a warm, subtle depth to the Mediterranean flavor.
What is the total simmering time for the chicken?
The chicken simmers for a total of 30 minutes in the sauce to ensure it is cooked through and flavorful.
Do I need to leave the skin on the chicken thighs?
No, the recipe specifies using skinless chicken thighs for this particular preparation.
Can I make this dish for a family dinner?
Absolutely, its comforting flavors and one-pot preparation make it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
Should I season the chicken before cooking?
Yes, season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper before browning them in the skillet.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the skillet.
What happens if I don't have turmeric?
If you don't have turmeric, you can use a small amount of curry powder as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.