Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion that dances between smoky, tangy, and fresh – this Smoked Paprika Chickpea Feta Cilantro Chicken is your culinary passport to Mediterranean bliss! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's so incredibly delicious, your family and friends will think you've secretly trained with a top chef. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible recipe that promises bold flavors, protein-packed goodness, and a presentation that'll make your Instagram followers drool.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting chicken breast dry with paper towels and cutting into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Season chicken cubes generously with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Add seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer to ensure proper browning and prevent overcrowding.
- Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally to achieve golden brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add cooked chickpeas to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, allowing them to warm and slightly crisp.
- Remove skillet from heat and immediately sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and chickpeas.
- Let the residual heat slightly melt the feta and create a creamy texture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, distributing evenly across the dish.
- Transfer to serving plates, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of chicken, chickpeas, feta, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally with a side of mixed green salad or warm pita bread.
Tips
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect browning and crispy exterior.
- Use high-quality smoked paprika for an authentic, deep flavor profile.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet – this ensures each chicken cube gets beautifully golden and crisp.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety.
- Let the residual skillet heat gently melt the feta for a creamy, luxurious finish.
- For extra crispiness, consider toasting the chickpeas separately before adding to the chicken.
- Fresh cilantro is key – chop it just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and aroma.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect temperature and texture of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
