Charred Honey Lemon Chicken with Crispy Chickpeas

Introduction:

This Charred Honey Lemon Chicken with Crispy Chickpeas is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a summer grill or an easy weeknight dinner. The chicken is marinated in a zesty rub and basted with a sweet and tangy honey lemon sauce, then grilled to perfection. Paired with crispy chickpeas and a fresh cilantro garnish, this dish is both vibrant and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Rub:

• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Finely grated zest from one medium-size lemon

For the Chickpeas:

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

For the Basting Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For Finishing:

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves for serving
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• 1 medium-size lemon, halved and thinly sliced

Directions

1. Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, dried oregano, smoked paprika, sugar, ground cumin, black pepper, and lemon zest. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then set them aside to dry while you prepare the chicken.
3. Make the Basting Sauce: In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Shake well. Pour half of the sauce into a small bowl and set it aside for dressing later. The remaining sauce will be used for basting the chicken.
4. Prepare the Chicken: Line a sheet pan with foil or plastic wrap for easy cleanup. Lay the chicken thighs on the prepared pan and trim any excess fat. Sprinkle the rub on both sides of the chicken, reserving 1 tablespoon for the chickpeas.
5. Grill the Chicken: Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken, turning every few minutes until all sides are golden and charred in places. Start basting with the sauce after 5 minutes of grilling, using up all the sauce. Total grilling time will be around 12-15 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill. The internal temperature should reach 160-165°F (71-74°C). Remove from the grill and cover loosely with foil while preparing the chickpeas.
6. Finish the Chickpeas: Heat a medium-size nonstick pan over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil and swirl the pan to coat. Add the chickpeas and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown. If they stick to the pan, add an additional drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle the chickpeas with the reserved rub, stir well, and transfer to a serving platter.
7. To Serve: Arrange the grilled chicken on top of the crispy chickpeas. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lemon slices. Drizzle everything lightly with the reserved dressing and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Variations

• Spicier Option: Add more gochujang or sriracha to the basting sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of tofu or cauliflower steaks, prepared in the same way.
• Lemon Herb Variation: Replace cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different herbal note.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and chickpeas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   • Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but be sure to adjust the grilling time as they may cook faster.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
   • Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. What can I substitute for smoked paprika?
   • You can use regular paprika, but the dish will miss the smoky flavor. A dash of liquid smoke can be a good substitute.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   • You can marinate the chicken and prepare the chickpeas in advance, but grilling and serving fresh yields the best flavor.
5. Is there a vegan version of this dish?
   • Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey in the basting sauce.
6. Can I use canned chickpeas?
   • Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly in this recipe.
7. What sides pair well with this dish?
   • Rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad pairs well with this dish.
8. How can I make the dish less spicy?
   • Reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely from the basting sauce.
9. What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
   • You can use bottled lemon juice, though fresh lemon adds a more vibrant flavor.
10. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    • Yes, the chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the chickpeas may lose their crispness.

Conclusion

Charred Honey Lemon Chicken with Crispy Chickpeas is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. With its sweet and tangy marinade, smoky grilled chicken, and crispy chickpeas, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re grilling for a summer cookout or making a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.

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