Chicken Chickpea Salad

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Chicken Chickpea Salad is an easy, gluten-free dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! With a delicious combination of hearty chickpeas, grilled chicken, silky avocados crunchy veggies and a light vinaigrette, it’s a full meal in a bowl

This post and recipe card were updated May 26, 2019

Chickpeas are an integral part of Indian, West Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines. My parents are from Trinidad, and I’ve been eating chickpeas all my life. So it never occurs to me that people have never tried them or don’t know what they are.

Chickpeas are legumes (beans). They’re also called garbanzo beans, and that’s the name you’ll commonly find on the cans in the grocery store. Chickpeas are very nutritious and high in fiber, protein, and iron.

One of the first recipes I learned to make before I moved out of my parents’ house is Curry Chicken and Chickpeas, and I still make it all the time. About a year ago I jumped WAY out of my comfort zone and made Homemade Falafel.

I launched the blog so I wouldn’t keep rotating the same recipes. But there are a few that I still make several times a month, and the top one is Chicken Chickpea Salad

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes
• It’s gluten-free and low carb
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken

CHICKPEAS: CANNED OR DRY?

You can find Canned Chickpeas in the canned vegetable aisle of any grocery store. Dry Chickpeas can be harder to find. Some stores have them with the other packaged dry beans, and others sell them in the bulk food section.

I prefer to buy dry chickpeas because they last for a long time, and I can prepare just what I need. I keep canned chickpeas on hand for when I need them in a pinch.

Preparing dry chickpeas requires some forethought, but it is very easy

• Chickpeas triple in size when they soak, so use a large bowl!
• Cold water soak: will take about 8 hours
• Hot water soak: will take about 4 hours (bring water to a boil, pour over chickpeas, and soak)

I cook the soaked chickpeas in a Pressure Cooker for 12-15 minutes. When I have “fresh” dry chickpeas they’ll be ready in 12 minutes. If they’ve been sitting in my pantry for a month or more, they’ll take 15 minutes.

You can also use an Instant Pot. I do not have one, so I cannot specify a cooking time, but it should be close to the same as a pressure cooker.

You want your chickpeas to be tender, but still a little firm. Undercooked chickpeas are hard; overcooked chickpeas are mushy. Yes, I have made both mistakes!

INGREDIENT TIPS FOR CHICKEN CHICKPEA SALAD

Cherry or grape tomatoes add a burst of flavor, and Sundried Tomatoes add a nice tart bite.

Red onion and bell peppers add wonderful crunch and flavor. For a nice contrast in texture, avocado adds a creamy bite.

I use boneless/skinless chicken thighs, but chicken breast would also work. Grill the chicken while the chickpeas cook, so that everything comes together at the same time.

The vinaigrette is easy to make and pulls the dish together. Raw Honey and Avocado Oil are the base, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce add a great kick.

People either love or hate cilantro. I’m firmly on team love, so I add lots of fresh cilantro. If you don’t like it, you can substitute parsley.

High-quality Balsamic Vinegar is optional, but the perfect finish. Just a little drizzle is all you need

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHICKEN CHICKPEA SALAD

I soak my chickpeas starting in the morning so I can use them for either lunch or dinner. 

1) In a small bowl, prepare the vinaigrette. Add avocado oil, honey, garlic, hot sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, and fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Whisk until fully combined, and set aside to rest

2) Cook the chickpeas in the pressure cooker for 15 minutes. Drain, and set aside in a large bowl. While the chickpeas cook, grill the chicken until done. Remove from heat and add to bowl with chickpeas

3) Add avocado, bell peppers, onion, cherry/grape tomatoes, and sundried tomatoes to bowl.

4) Pour vinaigrette over Chicken Chickpea Salad, add cilantro, and toss to combine.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I store dry chickpeas? In an airtight container in the pantry.

How long do dry chickpeas last? Stored properly, they will last 2-3 years. I buy my chickpeas in smaller quantities from the bulk food section, so I’m constantly using fresher product

How long will Chicken Chickpea Salad last? Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, it will last for up to 5 days.

What is the best way to serve Chicken Chickpea Salad? I usually eat it immediately. You can also chill it for an hour, and serve it as a cold salad.

MORE EASY SALAD RECIPES

• Broccoli Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Blackened Salmon BLT Salad
• Funfetti Macaroni Salad
• Bacon Fig Brussel Sprouts Salad
• Fried Okra Salad

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Recipe adapted from Gluten Free Spinner