Smoky Paprika Chicken and Crispy Chickpeas Over Escarole Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky paprika chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the crispy chickpeas add a satisfying crunch. Escarole provides a bitter and refreshing base, perfectly complemented by the tangy dressing. The combination of smoky, savory, and fresh elements makes this meal both satisfying and light. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients

For the chicken and chickpeas:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the chicken)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the chickpeas)

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the escarole salad:

• 4 cups escarole, chopped and washed

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon honey

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub the seasoning into the chicken.

• Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside to rest before slicing.

2. Make the crispy chickpeas:

• While the chicken cooks, spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Toss to coat, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through.

3. Prepare the salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the chopped escarole, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese (if using). Set aside.

4. Make the dressing:

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

5. Assemble the salad:

• Drizzle the dressing over the escarole salad and toss to coat. Divide the salad into serving bowls.

• Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the salad along with the crispy chickpeas.

6. Serve:

• Serve immediately, garnishing with extra feta, herbs, or a squeeze of lemon, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 25-30 minutes (for the chicken and chickpeas)

• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

1. Add more veggies: You can add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for more texture and flavor.

2. Vegan option: Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based dressing and feta.

3. Spicy kick: Add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the chicken and chickpeas for an extra spicy touch.

4. Grains: Serve the salad over quinoa, couscous, or rice for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

The chicken and chickpeas can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, it’s best to warm the chicken in the oven or microwave and the chickpeas in the oven to retain their crispiness. The salad should be eaten fresh, as the escarole can wilt over time.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, but they will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and chickpeas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

3. Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?

Smoked paprika adds a unique smoky flavor to the dish, but if you don’t have it, you can use regular paprika. The dish will still be delicious, but you’ll miss the smoky depth.

4. What can I use instead of escarole?

If you can’t find escarole, you can substitute with other leafy greens like arugula, kale, or romaine lettuce. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly.

5. Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?

Yes, adding roasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts would be a great way to introduce some crunch and extra flavor to the salad.

6. How do I store leftover crispy chickpeas?

Leftover crispy chickpeas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, they will lose their crispiness over time, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

7. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of chili flakes to the chicken and chickpeas or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the salad for a spicy kick.

8. Can I use a different salad dressing?

Certainly! If you prefer a creamy dressing, a tahini dressing or yogurt-based dressing would work well with the smoky flavors of the chicken and chickpeas.

9. How can I make this dish more filling?

To make this dish heartier, serve it with a grain like quinoa, couscous, or farro. These will add more texture and make the meal more filling.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to check the labels on the chickpeas and any other packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Smoky Paprika Chicken and Crispy Chickpeas Over Escarole Salad is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines smoky, tender chicken with crunchy, savory chickpeas and a fresh, crisp salad. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling full but not heavy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious option that’s sure to become a new favorite!

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