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One-Pan Chicken Legs with Chickpeas and Quinoa

So flavorful, this spiced one-pan chicken legs with chickpeas and quinoa meal prep is something else! It’s naturally sweet, spiced, and full of deliciousness.

The meal prep is high protein, dairy-free, and high fat. It’s budget-friendly and high-calorie too!

tomatoes, chicken leg, chickpeas, and parsley in meal prep container

This dish is not only packed with protein but taste as well. The sweetness of the dried cranberries balances out the acidity of the tomatoes.

Meanwhile, the cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander add some warmth. And the fresh parsley adds freshness.

While the fluffiness of the quinoa complements the heartiness of the chickpeas and chicken. It’s a sweet yet delicious way to enjoy your chicken. The kiddos will enjoy it.

four meal prep containers with tomatoes, and chicken legs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Legs (4 or 1.8 lb)

Olive Oil (2 tbsp)

Onion (1)

Quinoa (1/2 cup, washed)

Chickpeas (1.5 cups)

Hot Water (1.5 cups)

Dried Cranberries (1/4 cup)

Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp)

Ground Turmeric (1 tsp)

Ground Coriander (1 tsp)

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp)

Salt (2 tsp)

Black Pepper (1 tsp)

Parsley (1 cup, chopped)

Cherry Tomatoes (9 oz)

How to Make Chicken Legs with Chickpeas and Quinoa

Step 1. To begin with, add salt and pepper to your chicken legs.

Step 2. Next, add olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place your chicken legs in the skillet with the skin side down and cook for 5 minutes on each side until the skin is nicely browned.

Remove your chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Make sure you don’t get rid of the oil and juices in the skillet; they add tons of flavor.

Step 3. Next, add your chopped onions, cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander to the skillet, stirring for a minute.

Step 4. You want to add your quinoa next, mixing it with the spices. Make sure you rinse it before adding it to the skillet, or else it will be bitter and impart a bitter taste to your dish.

Step 5. Add hot water, chickpeas, and dried cranberries, stirring well. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more dried cranberries. Then add the rest of your spices, mixing well.

Step 6. Finally, add back your chicken legs and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, lower the heat and cover your skillet.

Step 7. Cook for 20-25 minutes until quinoa is tender and chicken is fully cooked. Let it sit for 5 minutes afterward.

Step 8. Finally, divide the dish into 4 food containers. Chop some parsley and sprinkle it over each portion. Add in cherry tomatoes.

steps to make chicken legs meal prep

How to Meal Prep Chicken

To meal prep your chicken, you first have to cook it, and you can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Seal them in glass containers for the chicken to stay fresh for longer.

four meal prep containers side by side

How Long Can You Keep This Chicken Meal Prep in the Fridge?

This chicken meal prep lasts 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, you’ll want to store it in airtight food storage containers.

These glass containers here are not only airtight, but they are also chemical-free. If you prefer containers that are lighter, and that are also BPA-free, these plastic ones are a great option.

close up of cherry tomatoes and chicken leg with chickpeas

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Watch Full Instructions

chicken legs meal prep

One-Pan Chicken Legs with Chickpeas and Quinoa (Meal Prep)

Sweet and flavorful, these one-pan chicken legs are filling, nutritious, and cheap to make. It's a budget, high-calorie meal prep that has plenty of nutrients. The blend of spices and sweetness will leave your taste buds happy.
4.34 from 9 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Meal Prep
Cuisine American
Servings 4 meal prep bowls
Calories 932 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken legs 1.8 lb
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup quinoa washed
  • 1 cans chickpeas 1.5 cups chickpeas
  • 1.5 cups of hot water
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup parsley chopped
  • 9 oz cherry tomatoes 250g

Instructions
 

  • Season chicken legs with 1.5 tsp salt and 1tsp black pepper.
  • Now, heat the olive oil in the skillet, add the chicken legs skin side down and cook for 5 minutes. Then flip and fry for another 5 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned. Afterward, transfer the chicken to the plate.
  • Now, finely chop the onion and add it to the skillet. Right after that, add in cinnamon, turmeric, and coriander. Stir for 1 minute.
  • Add in washed quinoa and stir it so that spices coat it. Add 1.5 cups of hot water, give it a stir. Then, stir in the chickpeas and dried cranberries.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Give it a stir.
  • Bring the chicken legs back into the skillet, bring the liquid to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and cover it with a lid.
  • Cook for 20-25 minutes until quinoa is tender and chicken is fully cooked. Let it sit for 5 minutes afterward.
  • Finally, divide the dish into 4 food containers. Chop some parsley and sprinkle it over each portion. Add in cherry tomatoes.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
RECIPE VIDEO

Nutrition

Serving: 1meal prep containerCalories: 932kcalCarbohydrates: 79gProtein: 54gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 1371mgFiber: 14gSugar: 19g
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below with your rating! I love the feedback and respond to every comment!
Recipe Rating




Ziana

Friday 12th of May 2023

Is each individual bowl 932 calories? Or is the entire thing 932 calorie’s without dividing it individually?

Karo @ AllNutritious

Friday 12th of May 2023

It's per bowl. :)

Nick

Monday 28th of November 2022

Is there an alternate way to make this recipe using something other than Chicken Legs? I love the flavor of this meal but can't find chicken legs very often. I am new to cooking.

Nick

Thursday 1st of December 2022

@Karo @ AllNutritious, Thank You!

Karo @ AllNutritious

Monday 28th of November 2022

Yes, you can use chicken drumsticks :)