Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew

Two bowls of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in cream colored dishes, with silver spoons. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow tablecloth. One dish sits on a burgundy napkin.This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty dish that brings together delicious, rich, Greek-inspired flavors like lemon, oregano,…

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Two bowls of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in cream colored dishes, with silver spoons. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow tablecloth. One dish sits on a burgundy napkin.

This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a hearty dish that brings together delicious, rich, Greek-inspired flavors like lemon, oregano, and dill.

A finished bowl of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in a cream colored dish, with a silver spoon. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow napkin.

One thing about me is that I will find a way to incorporate chickpeas in as many meals as possible! They’re so versatile and it’s easy to keep a few cans in the pantry. This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew is a fantastic meal to make when you’re looking for a hearty and wholesome dinner, as both the chicken and the chickpeas add a lot of protein.

A top-down view of two bowls of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in cream colored dishes, with silver spoons. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow tablecloth. One dish sits on a burgundy napkin.

This Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew also works great for meal prep! It’s simple to prepare, and is a beautiful, healthy soup to turn to when you’re looking for something nourishing, fresh, and bright.

Ingredients:

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Yellow Onion
  • Celery
  • Carrot
  • Garlic
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Paprika
  • Ground Turmeric
  • Ground Coriander
  • Canned Chickpeas
  • Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 
  • Bay Leaves
  • Lemon
  • Israeli or Pearl Couscous
  • Fresh Oregano
  • Cooked Shredded Chicken I use Rotisserie
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Fresh Dill
Two bowls of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in cream colored dishes, with silver spoons. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow tablecloth. One dish sits on a burgundy napkin.

Step-by-Step:

Step one: cook your veggies

Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring, until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes.

step two: add the spices

Add the pepper flakes, turmeric, and coriander and continue to cook, stirring, toasting the spices, about 2 minutes.

step three: add the chickpeas

Add the chickpeas, broth, bay leaves, and lemon zest, and bring to a rapid simmer. Reduce the heat to a subtle simmer, about medium-low heat, and stir in the couscous and oregano. Cover and cook until the chickpeas and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.

step four: add the rest of the ingredients and simmer

Add in the chicken, lemon juice, parsley, and dill, and stir to combine. Let simmer, uncovered, to warm the chicken and allow the flavor to meld into the chicken, about 5 more minutes.

step five: finish and serve!

Discard the bay leaves. Taste and add salt, if desired. To serve, ladle into a bowl and top with fresh dill.

The stockpot of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew sitting on a yellow tablecloth. Small dishes of spices and herbs are visible. A wooden serving spoon sits next to the pot, along with two bowls and two spoons, waiting to be served.

Recipe FAQs:

I can’t find Israeli couscous. Can I use something else?

You can use pearl couscous here, too!

is this soup spicy?

I wouldn’t say this soup is spicy, really, but if you are sensitive to spice, you can skip the red pepper flakes!

Do I have to use rotisserie chicken?

You can use any shredded chicken you’d like! I think using a rotisserie makes it super easy, but you can use whatever chicken you have on hand.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this stew! Let me know in the comments after you try it!

Looking for more delicious and hearty stew recipes? Try these!

Green Chile Stew

Instant Pot Lamb Stew

Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken + Wild Rice Soup

A finished bowl of Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew in a cream colored dish, with a silver spoon. A bowl of herbs and a small bowl of spices are visible in the background. The dishes sit on a pale yellow napkin.
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Lemon Chicken and Chickpea Stew

Servings 4 servings
Calories 353kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup finely diced yellow onion ½ large onion
  • 1 cup small-diced celery, about 2 stalks
  • ¾ cup small-diced carrot, about 1 carrot
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (32-ounces)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup Israeli or pearl couscous
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves, sub 2 tablespoons of dried
  • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (I use Rotisserie)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill leaves plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook, stirring, until the veggies are tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the pepper flakes, turmeric, and coriander, and continue to cook, stirring, toasting the spices, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the chickpeas, broth, bay leaves, and lemon zest, and bring to a rapid simmer. Reduce the heat to a subtle simmer, about medium-low heat, and stir in the couscous and oregano. Cover and cook until the chickpeas and couscous is tender, about 10 minutes.
  • Add in the chicken, lemon juice, parsley, and dill, and stir to combine. Let simmer, uncovered, to warm the chicken and allow the flavor to meld in to the chicken, about 5 more minutes.
  • Discard the bay leaves. Taste and add salt, if desired. To serve, ladle into bowl and top with fresh dill.

Nutrition

Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 2585mg | Potassium: 818mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 4533IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 84mg | Iron: 3mg

Food Photography and Styling by Eat Love Eats.


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Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad

A finished bowl of Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a white platter atop a pink countertop.This Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad is the perfect blend of light and fresh while still being hearty and…

The post Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad appeared first on The Defined Dish.

A finished bowl of Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a white platter atop a pink countertop.

This Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad is the perfect blend of light and fresh while still being hearty and filling! Plus, perfect for meal prep.

A finished bowl of Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a white platter atop a pink countertop.

I love this salad for meal prep, because when it sits in the fridge for a couple of days, it gets even more flavorful and delicious. Whether you’re prepping meals for packed lunches or just to make mealtime a little bit quicker, this Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad is a great option.

Four meal prep containers with Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a pink countertop.

Featuring tender orzo, well-seasoned chicken, hearty chickpeas, and fresh kale all tossed in a fresh herby and lemony dressing, this salad is both refreshing and hearty.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Orzo Pasta
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Lemon
  • Champagne or White Wine Vinegar
  • Dijon
  • Shallot
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Fresh Dill
  • Garlic Powder
  • Turmeric Powder
  • Chickpeas
  • Lacinato Kale
The finished ingredients for Four meal prep containers with Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a pink countertop a white bowl, waiting to be tossed with the dressing. The dressing sits in a small white dish to the side. The dishes are on a pink countertop.

Step-by-step:

step one: cook the orzo

Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.

step two: prep the chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

step three: cook the chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and set aside to let cool slightly.

step four: make the dressing

In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, dijon, shallot, pepper, salt, parsley, dill, garlic powder and turmeric powder until well combined.

step five: add the rest of the salad ingredients

Add the drained chickpeas, the cooked orzo, and the kale and toss until well combined.

step six: finish and serve

Cut the chicken into ½-inch cubes and add to the salad and toss once more.

Recipe FAQs:

is this salad a good meal-prep option?

Absolutely! This is one of those salads that just gets better after it rests in the fridge, allowing the flavors to really blend together.

Is this salad an entree or side?

This is definitely a main that is perfect for lunch or a refreshing dinner! While this salad is bright and light from the lemony and herby dressing, the addition of the orzo, chicken, and chickpeas makes it hearty and filling too.

Can I add any cheese to this salad?

Yes! I love adding crumbled feta or goat cheese if I’m wanting more of a tangy or creamy flavor.

I can’t wait to hear what you think of this salad! Let me know in the comments below after you make it.

Looking for more hearty salad recipes? Try these!

Rainbow Chickpea Salad

Mexican-Inspired Chopped Salad

Tangy Thai Shrimp and Noodle Salad

A finished white bowl of Four meal prep containers with Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad on a pink countertop.
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Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad

Dairy-free
Servings 4 servings
Calories 467kcal

Ingredients

For the Orzo and Chicken:

  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon champagne or white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dijon
  • ¼ cup minced shallot 1 large shallot
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
  • ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 15- ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 bunch Lacinato kale de-ribbed and finely chopped

Instructions

Cook the Orzo and the Chicken:

  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water. Set aside.
  • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet, pound the chicken until it is a uniform ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and set aside to let cool slightly.

Make the Salad:

  • In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, dijon, shallot, pepper, salt, parsley, dill, garlic powder and turmeric powder until well combined.
  • Add the drained chickpeas, the cooked orzo, and the kale and toss until well combined.
  • Cut the chicken into ½-inch cubes and add to the salad and toss once more.

Notes

I typically keep this dairy-free, but I also love adding some crumbled feta to my salad if I want a touch of tangy/creamy flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1526mg | Potassium: 477mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 848IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 3mg

Food Photography and Styling by Eat Love Eats.

The post Lemon Chicken, Orzo, and Chickpea Salad appeared first on The Defined Dish.