Name: Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup pitted dates, halved; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Fresh parsley, chopped

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Table of Contents: Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates

Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates

Remember those family dinners where the aroma alone brought everyone to the table? As we get older, those moments become even more precious. This recipe for Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates aims to recreate that warmth and connection, offering a delicious, relatively effortless meal that’s bursting with flavor.

It’s a dish that feels both special enough for a holiday gathering and comforting enough for a simple weeknight. Forget bland, boring chicken – this is a taste of sunshine and the Mediterranean!

This isn’t just any chicken recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of bright, zesty lemon, savory chicken, and the unexpected sweetness of dates. The chickpeas add a hearty, healthy element, making it a complete and satisfying meal. We’re leaning into the sweet and savory chicken trend, but doing it with a sophisticated, grown-up palate in mind.

It’s a fantastic example of healthy chicken recipes that don’t sacrifice taste. This Mediterranean chicken dish is perfect for those who appreciate fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a small get-together, looking for a new addition to your regular rotation, or simply craving something a little different, these lemony chicken thighs are sure to become a favorite. It’s a dish that’s forgiving, adaptable, and guaranteed to impress.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes similar to this one under names like:

* Lemon & Date Chicken
* Mediterranean Chicken and Chickpea Stew
* Roasted Chicken Thighs with Dates and Lemon
* Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Chickpeas
* One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken with Dates and Chickpeas – a popular variation for ease of cleanup.

This recipe is a wonderful example of Mediterranean chicken cuisine, known for its fresh herbs, bright citrus, and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients: Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

* 2 to 2½ pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (4 to 6 pieces)
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
* 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
* 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
* 6 medjool dates, torn in half and pitted
* 2 rosemary sprigs, fresh
* 1 lemon, zested and juiced
* Yogurt, for serving (plain Greek yogurt is excellent)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. Flip and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the red onion wedges to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized. Add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the rinsed chickpeas and torn dates. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the dates to soften slightly and meld with the onion and garlic.
5. Add Lemon & Rosemary: Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest. Add the rosemary sprigs. Stir everything together to coat the chickpeas and dates in the lemony goodness.

6. Return Chicken to Pan: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, amongst the chickpeas and dates.
7. Roast to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve hot, with a dollop of cooling yogurt.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook, for a total time of 45-50 minutes. It yields about 4 servings. The approximate calorie count per serving is around 550-650, depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the amount of yogurt used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The magic of this Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates recipe lies in the layering of flavors. Searing the chicken first creates a beautiful, crispy skin and adds depth of flavor. The slow caramelization of the red onion builds a sweet and savory base, which is then brightened by the lemon and complemented by the chewy sweetness of the dates.

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is key – they stay incredibly moist and flavorful during roasting. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the seasoning! This is easy comfort food for family dinners that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the chickpeas.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. For best results, freeze the chicken and chickpea mixture separately from the yogurt.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the skin won’t be as crispy. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice during reheating can help revive the flavors. This is a great way to enjoy healthy chicken recipes even on busy weeknights.

People Also Ask: Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates

How do you make lemony chicken thighs with chickpeas and dates?

This Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates recipe is surprisingly simple! It starts with searing chicken thighs to get a crispy skin, then building a flavorful base with sautéed red onion, garlic, chickpeas, and dates. Lemon juice and zest, along with fresh rosemary, are added to brighten the flavors.

Finally, the chicken is roasted in the skillet with the chickpea mixture until cooked through. The key is to not skip the searing step – it makes all the difference in the final texture and taste. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and relatively quick meal.

What kind of dates are best for this recipe?

Medjool dates are highly recommended for this Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates recipe. They are large, soft, and incredibly sweet, which provides a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken and lemon.

However, if you can’t find Medjool dates, Deglet Noor dates can be used as a substitute, though they are slightly drier and less sweet. You may want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the skillet if using Deglet Noor dates to compensate for the lack of sweetness.

Is this a Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates a Mediterranean-inspired dish?

Absolutely! This recipe is heavily inspired by Mediterranean chicken cuisine. The use of lemon, olive oil, chickpeas, and rosemary are all hallmarks of the region’s cooking. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is also common in Mediterranean dishes.

Serving it with a dollop of yogurt further enhances the Mediterranean feel. It’s a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy the tastes of the Mediterranean.

Can I substitute other legumes for chickpeas?

Yes, you can! While chickpeas work beautifully in this Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates recipe, you can substitute them with other legumes like cannellini beans or Great Northern beans.

These beans have a similar texture and will absorb the flavors of the lemon and dates nicely. Lentils are another option, but they will cook faster and may become a bit mushy, so add them later in the cooking process.

Conclusion: Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates

I truly hope you give this Lemony Chicken Thighs with Chickpeas and Dates recipe a try. It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a new favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the herbs and spices to make it your own! I’d love to hear about your experience – feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!