Description
This Charred Honey Lemon Chicken with Crispy Chickpeas is a Mediterranean-inspired main course featuring juicy, smoked paprika-seasoned chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce. Paired with perfectly roasted, spiced crispy chickpeas, this healthy and flavorful dish is quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve over rice or fresh salad greens.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
For the Crispy Chickpeas
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cooked rice or salad greens
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Chickpeas: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread the drained and dried chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are golden and crispy.
- Season Chicken: While the chickpeas roast, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse smoky flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5–6 minutes on each side until charred and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze Chicken: In the last minute of cooking, drizzle the honey and lemon juice over the chicken in the pan. Allow the glaze to bubble and coat the chicken, creating a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into strips.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of cooked rice or salad greens. Top generously with the crispy roasted chickpeas. Garnish with lemon zest, chopped parsley, and extra lemon wedges if desired for freshness and added brightness.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey lemon glaze before drizzling over the chicken.
- Leftover crispy chickpeas make a delicious crunchy topping for salads or a healthy snack on their own.
