Chicken Chickpea Stew

This Chicken Chickpea Stew is delicious accompanied with crusty bread, stuffed into pita pockets or served with quinoa, rice, couscous or potatoes.

In my spice drawer, one spice reigns supreme: Smoked Paprika. Its distinct smokiness adds a delightful depth of flavour to a variety of dishes. From this hearty Chicken Chickpea Stew to these crispy Sweet Potato Wedges, and this smoked paprika dip, this versatile spice enhances them all. Don't miss out on trying it in these mouthwatering sweet potato and chickpea patties, just one of the many recipes where it shines.

If you haven't tried smoked paprika, then I recommend you add it to your spice rack. Unless it says it is hot (or Picante) it is likely to be sweet. My kids love the sweet and smoky taste it brings to a dish.

I first published this recipe in Nov 2013 and have updated it with new photos and an improved recipe.

The original recipe used breast meat but I now always use thigh. The texture of the thigh works better and cooking them in the stew, with the skin and bone in, provides much more flavour.

I believe thighs are a child-friendly cut of chicken. When my kids were younger they often struggled with breast meat, finding it a little dry and harder to eat. They much preferred thigh meat, and still do, especially when cooked this way.

Browning the thighs first, provides delicious juices to saute the onion and capsicum in. Make sure to use these juices, the flavour it provides is worth it.

Chicken Chickpea Stew Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Chicken

If you really don’t like thigh meat then you could replace it with skin on/ bone in chicken breasts, that way you won’t lose the added flavour that the skin and bone provides.

• Vegetables

If you want to increase the veggie content of this stew then you could add some chopped celery and carrot, along with the onion, or stir through some spinach towards the end of cooking.

• Sour Cream

If you, or a family member, are dairy free or you simply don't like sour cream, then you can just miss it out. I often make this without the sour cream and it is equally as delicious.

As the sour cream is added at the end of cooking, you can remove a portion/portions for those that don’t like / can’t eat dairy and add it to the remaining portions.

• Coriander (Cilantro)

I have always added lots of herbs and spices to my kids' meals, right from when they were babies. Don’t shy away from adding flavour to baby and kids food. They are great for adding flavour, especially when you need to keep sodium levels low.

Just as smoked paprika is my most loved spice, my adored herb would have to be coriander (cilantro).  I am, however, aware that it does have quite a strong and distinctive taste that not everyone likes it (including my youngest).

If you, or a family member, is not keen then just omit the coriander or replace it with some freshly chopped parsley.

You may also like

• Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry 
• Chickpea Pancakes
• Curried Baked Chickpeas
• Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake