Discover the rich taste of Rustic Tomato-Braised Chicken with hearty chickpeas, featuring succulent chicken, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Savor the Flavor: Rustic Tomato-Braised Chicken with Hearty Chickpeas
Welcome to today’s culinary journey where we take classic ingredients and transform them into a comforting and flavorful dish. This rustic tomato-braised chicken with hearty chickpeas is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. It combines tender chicken, robust tomatoes, and protein-packed chickpeas into a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Let’s dive into this enticing recipe that brings a touch of Mediterranean warmth to your dining table.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- Crusty bread or rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Reduce the heat to medium and into the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Stock:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken stock. Stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken:
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin side up in the tomato mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Incorporate Chickpeas:
- Uncover the skillet and add the drained chickpeas. Stir them into the tomato mixture, allowing them to heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the chicken thighs over a bed of crusty bread or rice. Spoon the tomato and chickpea mixture around the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and an optional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion:
This rustic tomato-braised chicken with hearty chickpeas is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the comfort of home-cooked flavor to your kitchen. With its tender chicken, savory tomato sauce, and the satisfying texture of chickpeas, it’s a dish that’s both simple to prepare and deeply fulfilling to eat. Whether you’re serving it up for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy this dish with your choice of accompaniment, and savor the delicious flavors with every bite!
Discover the rich taste of Rustic Tomato-Braised Chicken with hearty chickpeas, featuring succulent chicken, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal!