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Chickpea Lemon Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This Chickpea Lemon Skillet is a vibrant, creamy, and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a lemon-infused broth with aromatic onions, garlic, and spices. Finished with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs, it’s a quick and nourishing one-pan meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Skillet Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 – 2 cloves garlic, grated

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas (15-oz / 400 g each, or 3 cups cooked), drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth

Flavorings & Toppings

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons parsley or dill
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Start the aromatics: Warm 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then stir in the grated garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavor.
  2. Add the chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas along with ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until some chickpeas start to pop and develop a slightly golden color, enhancing their texture and taste.
  3. Add broth and simmer: Pour in 1 cup vegetable broth and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes. For a creamier texture, mash a small handful of chickpeas gently with the back of a spoon. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, then turn the heat off.
  4. Make it creamy: With the heat off, add ½ cup Greek yogurt and stir gently until it melts into the chickpeas, forming a light and creamy sauce. If the skillet looks dry, add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water or more broth to loosen the sauce to your preference.
  5. Finish and serve: Sprinkle the skillet with fresh parsley (or dill) and crumbled feta cheese if using. Add an additional crack of black pepper and an optional drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm with crusty bread, orzo, pasta, or rice for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute dill for parsley based on preference for a slightly different herbaceous flavor.
  • The feta cheese is optional but adds a nice salty contrast.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Greek yogurt or substitute with a plant-based yogurt.
  • Use sweet or smoked paprika depending on the preferred flavor profile; smoked paprika provides a deeper, smoky aroma.
  • To intensify the lemon flavor, add a little more lemon juice or zest if desired.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors at their best.

Keywords: Chickpea skillet, lemon chickpeas, vegetarian skillet, Greek yogurt chickpeas, Mediterranean chickpea recipe, quick vegetarian dinner

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/chickpea-lemon-skillet-recipe/