Sheet-Pan Chicken with Chickpeas, Carrots and Lemon

A Moroccan spice rub seasons these chicken thighs, while the chicken flavors the chickpeas and carrots that cook underneath. The cooked lemon slices will be soft and delicious. but you can set them aside if you prefer. Pair with Temecula Valley Zinfandel.

Ingredients

Spice rub: 

• 1 teaspoon sea salt 
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 4 bone-in chicken thighs, about 2 pounds (900 g) 
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 
• ½ pound (225 g) carrots, thinly sliced on the diagonal 
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced from stem to root 
• 1 small lemon, halved lengthwise (quartered lengthwise if large), then sliced 
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin 
• 1 teaspoon sea salt 
• Extra virgin olive oil 
• 1/3 cup (10 g) coarsely chopped cilantro, plus a few whole leaves for garnish 

Serves 4

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the spice rub ingredients. Sprinkle all over the chicken and set aside. 

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a 9 x 12-inch (23 x 30 cm) rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 

In a bowl, combine the chickpeas, carrots, red onion, lemon, garlic, cumin, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to mix, then arrange in the baking sheet in an even layer. Arrange the chicken thighs on top, not touching, and drizzle 1 teaspoon olive oil on top of each one. 

Bake on a center rack for 40 minutes. With tongs, set the chicken aside on a plate. Add the chopped cilantro to the vegetables and stir to mix and moisten everything with the chicken juices. Remake the bed of vegetables and replace the chicken on top. Bake for 5 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let rest 5 minutes to allow the chicken juices to settle. Tilt the sheet pan and spoon some of the juices over the chicken. 

Transfer to a serving platter or to individual dinner plates and garnish with cilantro leaves.  

Suggested pairings:

Doffo Winery ~ 2019 Zinfandel – This popular Zinfandel is sure to delight the senses with aromas of plum, raspberry, figs, and cherries.

Leoness Cellars ~ 2019 Zinfandel – This wine offers beautiful aromas and flavors of sweet blackberry and boysenberry fruit with hints of vanilla, allspice and black licorice framed by soft tannins and a long, silky finish.

Monte de Oro Winery ~ 2016 Zinfandel – This wine initially offers aromas of raspberries and dried cranberries with a transition to spices – pronounced cinnamon and nutmeg with slight smoky oak.

Peltzer Winery ~ 2017 Zinfandel– This wine offers aromas of pomegranate, red cherry, tart raspberry, black pepper.

Recipe and photo courtesy of The Wine Institute of California