Hey friends! Are you looking for a quick and super tasty dinner that helps you build muscle and stay strong? I have got you covered today. Cooking healthy food does not need to be hard or boring. Today, we are making a spicy chicken and chickpea skillet that is packed with protein and big flavors. It is one of those meals that comes together fast on a busy weeknight.
Protein is so important for your body. Whether you want to get stronger at the gym or just feel better during your workday, you need good fuel. If you love quick dinners like this, you might also want to check out my Easy Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon Dinner for another great weeknight option. But right now, let us focus on this amazing chicken skillet that will make your taste buds happy.
Here on Azeely, I love sharing food that tastes amazing and helps you hit your fitness goals. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Let us get right into what you need to make this delicious meal tonight.
Ingredients Needed
You do not need a fancy grocery list for this recipe. Everything is easy to find at your local store. Here is what you need to grab:
- Two large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- One can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- One medium yellow onion, chopped
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- One red bell pepper, sliced
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- One teaspoon of smoked paprika
- Half a teaspoon of cumin powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for topping
Step By Step Making
Cooking this meal is very simple. Just follow these steps, and you will have a hot, high-protein meal ready in no time.
1. Put your large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it get warm for a minute.
2. Add the chopped onion and sliced red bell pepper to the hot pan. Cook them for about five minutes until they get soft and smell good.
3. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Make sure you do not burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter.
4. Add the cubed chicken breasts right into the skillet with the veggies. Sprinkle your smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper all over the chicken.
5. Cook everything together, stirring often, until the chicken pieces turn golden brown on all sides and are cooked all the way through. This usually takes about seven to ten minutes.
6. Pour the rinsed chickpeas into the skillet. Mix them well with the chicken and vegetables.
7. Let the whole mix cook for another three to five minutes so the chickpeas get warm and soak up all those great spices.
8. Turn off the heat and top your food with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve it hot and enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Value
When you are trying to stay healthy, knowing what goes into your body matters a lot. This meal is a powerhouse of good nutrition. Here are the numbers for one big serving:
- Protein: 45 grams
- Calories: 410 calories
- Carbs: 32 grams
With forty-five grams of protein per serving, this dish is fantastic for repairing your muscles after a hard workout. The carbs from the chickpeas give you steady energy without making you feel heavy or tired.
Health Benefits
Let us talk about why this meal is so good for your body. Getting enough protein every single day is the number one rule for building strong muscles. When you lift weights or do active sports, your muscle fibers get tiny tears. Your body needs protein to fix those tears so your muscles grow bigger and stronger.
Chicken breasts are famous in the fitness world for a reason. They give you lean protein without a ton of extra fat. That means you get all the building blocks for your muscles while keeping your calorie count right where you want it. This helps you stay lean and strong all year round.
Do not forget about the chickpeas! They are packed with plant protein and fiber. Fiber is amazing for your stomach and helps keep your digestion running smoothly. It also helps you feel full for a long time, so you will not be tempted to snack on junk food later in the evening. Combined with the vitamin C in the red bell pepper, this meal gives your immune system a nice little boost too.
Eating healthy does not have to be boring or take hours in the kitchen. Try making this spicy chicken and chickpea skillet this week, and let me know how much you love it. Your muscles will thank you, and your stomach will be very happy!
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
