Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet

Name: Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

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I absolutely love preparing Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet for a cozy weeknight dinner. The blend of spices creates an inviting aroma that instantly makes my kitchen feel warm and welcoming. The chickpeas add protein while the rice acts as the perfect canvas for this dish. I appreciate how quick and easy it is to whip up, yet it still feels special enough to serve to guests. Topping it off with fresh herbs makes every bite an explosion of flavor that I can’t get enough of!

Created by

Zinnia Fairweather

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:57:34.826Z

While experimenting with quick and nutritious meals, I stumbled upon the idea of combining smoky flavors with chickpeas. The result was incredible! The depth of flavor from smoked paprika, combined with the creaminess of the chickpeas, creates a hearty dish that feels indulgent yet is entirely plant-based.

I’ve also found that allowing the rice to sit for a few minutes off the heat helps the flavors meld beautifully. I often serve this skillet with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, which brightens up the dish and adds a lovely touch!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Satisfying smoky flavor paired with hearty chickpeas
Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
Versatile: enjoy it warm or as a cold salad the next day

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet is undoubtedly the combination of chickpeas and rice. Chickpeas provide not only a hearty texture but also a significant source of protein and fiber, making this dish quite satisfying. I recommend using dried chickpeas if you have the time, as they often have a better texture compared to canned. Just soak them overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the skillet.

Basmati rice is the perfect choice for this dish due to its light and fluffy nature. It absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly. Be sure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch; this helps achieve that ideal fluffy texture. When cooked, the grains should be pleasantly separated and glossy, complementing the smoky richness of the spices.

Perfecting the Cooking Method

Sautéing the onions and garlic at medium heat allows them to soften and develop a natural sweetness, which forms a flavorful base for your dish. Pay attention to the garlic; it only needs about a minute to become fragrant, so keep stirring to avoid burning. If you’d like to add more depth to the flavor, consider caramelizing the onions until they are golden at the edges before adding the garlic.

When cooking the rice, be cautious not to lift the lid too soon. This disrupts the cooking process and causes steam to escape. Once you cover the skillet after bringing the mixture to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer undisturbed for about 15 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.

Ingredients

For the Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Sauté the onion and garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add the spices and chickpeas

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and cumin, stirring them into the onions and garlic. Add the chickpeas, stirring to coat them well in the spices.

Cook the rice

Add the rice to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Finish and serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. This dish is also great with a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess!

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, serve the Smoky Chickpea Rice Skillet in the pan it was cooked in, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. I also love to squeeze lemon juice over the top just before serving; it brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the smokiness.

This dish also makes a fantastic base for additional toppings. Consider adding roasted vegetables or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. You could even stir in some greens like spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added freshness and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This dish actually benefits from sitting as the flavors continue to meld. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. A quick stovetop reheat over low to medium heat works best, ensuring you're not compromising the texture of the rice.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chickpea rice skillet. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and ensure they are cooled completely before sealing. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Adjust the broth accordingly.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth, the entire dish is gluten-free.

→ Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or corn for added flavor and nutrition!