Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
The perfect blend of crispy, spiced chicken and refreshing slaw, Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds. With a unique twist on traditional falafel, this recipe combines the savory notes of chicken with the tangy creaminess of hummus, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.
This dish not only bursts with flavor but also supports a nutritious and balanced diet. The chicken breasts are coated in a flavorful falafel mix that provides a crunchy exterior, while the hummus slaw contributes freshness and texture. Whether you’re seeking a hearty dinner or a light lunch, Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw is flexible enough to suit your needs, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Why make this recipe
Creating Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s about embracing vibrant, healthful ingredients that make every bite a pleasure. The combination of chickpea flavor from the falafel mix and the succulent chicken delivers a hearty meal that’s light yet filling. The hummus slaw adds a refreshing crunch, which not only complements the chicken but also provides a colorful and inviting presentation.
Additionally, this recipe is a smart choice for anyone looking to increase their intake of vegetables and legumes. With its high protein content from the chicken and fiber from the slaw mix and hummus, this meal supports a well-rounded diet. It’s also versatile, allowing for creativity in presentation and flavor adjustments according to personal preferences. By making this dish, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also fueling your body with wholesome ingredients.
How to make Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
To prepare Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw, start by choosing high-quality ingredients. The chicken should be fresh and skinless to keep it lean, while using whole-wheat pita adds nutritional benefits. The key to this dish lies in the preparation of the chicken and the slaw, both of which can be tailored to suit varying preferences for spice and texture.
As you move through the process, keep in mind that the falafel mix should be applied evenly to the chicken strips to ensure a consistent flavor throughout. While the chicken bakes, focus on preparing the slaw. Combining shredded cabbage, radishes, and fresh herbs with the hummus creates a colorful and delicious topping that takes the dish to another level. Finally, serving the chicken with stuffed pita pockets makes for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1¼ pounds), sliced into ¼-inch-thick strips
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup falafel mix
- 2 whole-wheat pitas, halved
- 6 tablespoons hummus
- Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon harissa or other hot chile paste
- 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 6 radishes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Kosher salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a rack on a rimmed baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
- Toss the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the falafel mix. Arrange on the rack and bake until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, wrap the pita halves in foil and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix hummus with lemon zest and juice, harissa, and 3 tablespoons of water. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this sauce for serving.
- Add the coleslaw mix, radishes, and parsley to the remaining hummus sauce and toss; season with salt.
- Divide the chicken among plates and drizzle with the reserved hummus sauce.
- Stuff the hummus slaw into the warm pitas and serve alongside the chicken.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
How to serve Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
Serving Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw can be a visually stunning affair, showcasing the colorful ingredients and textures. Arrange the crispy falafel-coated chicken strips on a plate, drizzling the reserved hummus sauce over it for an extra layer of flavor. The warm, stuffed pita halves can be placed alongside the chicken, serving as an inviting accompaniment for scooping up the hummus slaw.
Encourage your guests to build their own pitas by adding as much or as little slaw as they prefer. This hands-on style of serving not only elevates the experience but also makes the meal more interactive and enjoyable. A sprinkle of additional parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving will brighten the flavors and enhance the presentation.
How to store Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
To store any leftovers of Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the chicken separately from the hummus slaw to maintain texture and freshness. Properly stored, the chicken should remain good in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the hummus slaw can last for two days due to the freshness of the vegetables.
If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider preparing the components separately and assembling them just before serving. This not only ensures the chicken remains crispy, but also keeps the slaw vibrant and crunchy. To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through, avoiding the microwave to retain crispiness.
Tips to make Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
For the best results when making Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw, consider a few useful tips. Selecting a high-quality falafel mix can significantly enhance the flavor of your chicken, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different brands or even homemade mixes. Adjust the ratio of harissa based on your spice tolerance; whether you prefer mild or fiery heat, the dish can be customized to suit your preference.
When preparing the slaw, consider adding some crunch with additional vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers, or even a touch of sweetness with diced apples or raisins. This not only adds variety but also enhances the nutritional profile. If you’re short on time, pre-made hummus can be a convenient alternative to making your own, saving you preparation time while still delivering great flavor.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking for even cooking results.
Q: What can I substitute for the harissa?
A: You can use other hot chile pastes like sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for similar heat.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, both the chicken and slaw can be prepared in advance and stored separately for easy reheating and assembly.
Falafel Chicken with Hummus Slaw
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1¼ pounds), sliced into ¼-inch-thick strips Use fresh chicken.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ cup falafel mix Choose a high-quality mix.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt Adjust to taste.
For the Hummus Slaw
- 6 tablespoons hummus Can use pre-made hummus.
- 1 lemon Grated zest and juice
- ½ teaspoon harissa or other hot chile paste Adjust to taste.
- 4 cups shredded coleslaw mix
- 6 pieces radishes, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
For Serving
- 2 pieces whole-wheat pitas, halved Add nutritional benefits.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a rack on a rimmed baking sheet and coat with cooking spray.
- Toss the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the falafel mix. Arrange on the rack and bake until golden and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, wrap the pita halves in foil and warm in the oven for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix hummus with lemon zest and juice, harissa, and 3 tablespoons of water. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this sauce for serving.
- Add the coleslaw mix, radishes, and parsley to the remaining hummus sauce and toss; season with salt.
Serving
- Divide the chicken among plates and drizzle with the reserved hummus sauce.
- Stuff the hummus slaw into the warm pitas and serve alongside the chicken.
