Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice
A protein-rich dish featuring tender chicken simmered with fava beans, fragrant rice, and a blend of warm Iraqi spices. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, fava beans, long-grain rice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed fava beans
- 1.5 cups, uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 medium, diced tomato
- 1 medium, finely chopped red onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tsp baharat spice mix
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped red onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tsp baharat spice mix, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until chicken is browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain rice, 1 can (15 oz) drained fava beans, 1 medium diced tomato, 3 cups chicken broth, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baharat-Spiced Chicken with Fava Beans and Rice?
Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The baharat spice blend was perfect with the chicken and fava beans—my family kept asking for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Cooked this for my parents' anniversary; the rice soaked up all the flavors beautifully. They loved the authentic Middle Eastern touch.
- ★★★★★
Loved the depth of the spices! Served with pita and tahini, it was a complete meal that impressed my dinner guests.
