Looking for a wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition? The Roasted Chickpea Chicken and Quinoa Bowl is your answer! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines tender chicken, crispy chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, making it a delightful feast for your taste buds. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant and satisfying bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Ready to discover how to create this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Pat chickpeas completely dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, toss chickpeas with 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In another bowl, season diced chicken with remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Spread chickpeas and chicken on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote even roasting.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and chickpeas are crispy and golden.
- Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and divide among four serving bowls as a base.
- Top quinoa with roasted chicken and chickpeas. Garnish with sliced avocado and fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and crispy. Optional: drizzle with additional olive oil or your favorite dressing if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can rinse and soak the quinoa the night before. This will also enhance its nutty flavor and make it even fluffier when cooked.
- Crispy Chickpeas: Ensure your chickpeas are thoroughly dried before tossing them with oil and spices. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture when roasted.
- Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spices! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of garlic powder can elevate the flavor profile of your chickpeas and chicken.
- Roasting Technique: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Spacing out the chickpeas and chicken allows for even roasting, resulting in a delightful crunch.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle your bowl with tahini sauce or your favorite dressing just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten up the dish!
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble your bowls throughout the week for quick, nutritious meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
