Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breast served alongside smoky, spicy harissa-coated chickpeas for a bold and flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired easter ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, harissa paste, canned chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and let rest.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet along with 2 tbsp harissa paste, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir to coat chickpeas evenly and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are heated through and slightly crispy.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve the harissa chickpeas alongside the rested chicken breasts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas?

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 harissa paste from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Harissa Chickpeas?

Mediterranean easter 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.

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