Hummus Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein in this dish, chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, making them perfect for a healthy meal.

Hummus: A creamy spread made from chickpeas, tahini, and olive oil, hummus adds moisture and a rich, nutty flavor to the chicken.

Olive oil: Used to drizzle on top, olive oil helps keep the chicken juicy and adds a subtle fruity taste.

Paprika: This spice gives the dish a mild smoky flavor and a beautiful color.

Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory taste without the need to chop fresh garlic.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the other flavors in the recipe.

One of the key steps in this Hummus Chicken Recipe is spreading the hummus evenly over the chicken breasts. Doing this right helps the flavors soak into the meat and keeps the chicken moist while it bakes. Here’s how you can do it step by step:

1. Use a spoon or a small spatula to scoop some hummus out of the container.
2. Place a dollop of hummus right in the center of each chicken breast.
3. Gently spread the hummus outward toward the edges, covering the whole surface. Try to keep the layer even—not too thick in one spot and thin in another.
4. If you find it tricky to spread, you can let the hummus sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This softens it and makes spreading easier.

Spreading the hummus evenly is important because it creates a nice coating that locks in moisture and adds a creamy texture to the chicken. Plus, the spices like paprika and garlic powder stick better to the hummus, giving the dish a richer taste.

When I first tried this, I didn’t spread the hummus evenly and ended up with some bites that were super flavorful and others that were kind of plain. After that, I made sure to take my time spreading it out, and it made a big difference. Also, warming the hummus a little bit really helped—it’s a simple trick that saves you from tugging at the chicken and keeps everything looking nice before baking.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are a lean protein similar to chicken and can be used in the same way in many recipes.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be marinated and baked to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken.

• hummus - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a good alternative to hummus.

• hummus - Substitute with tahini: Tahini, a sesame seed paste, can be mixed with lemon juice and garlic to create a similar flavor profile to hummus.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for its mild flavor and similar cooking properties.

• paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar color and a bit more heat, which can enhance the flavor of the dish.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika provides a deeper, smoky flavor that can add complexity to the dish.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be minced and used in place of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.

• garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar savory note if garlic is not available.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the peppery taste without altering the color of the dish.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely after baking. This ensures that condensation doesn't form inside the storage container, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Transfer the cooled hummus chicken to an airtight container. If stacking pieces, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The hummus chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For freezing, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain the flavor and prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consume within this period to enjoy optimal taste and texture.
• To reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps retain moisture.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the thawed hummus chicken on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a microwave-safe lid or another plate, for about 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover hummus chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of chicken broth to the pan. Place the hummus chicken in the skillet, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until warmed.

• For an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• To maintain the creamy texture of the hummus, you can also reheat the chicken in a steamer. Place the chicken on a heatproof plate and steam for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken breasts at the specified temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Baking dish: Holds the chicken breasts while they bake in the oven.

• Measuring cup: Measures out the 1 cup of hummus accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

• Spatula: Spreads the hummus evenly over each chicken breast.

• Drizzle bottle: Helps to drizzle olive oil evenly over the chicken (optional, you can also use a spoon).

• Salt shaker: Seasons the chicken with salt to taste.

• Pepper grinder: Adds freshly ground pepper to taste.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing the baking dish in and taking it out of the oven.

• Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature (optional but recommended).

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to place the chicken breasts before transferring them to the baking dish.

• Knife: Used to trim any excess fat or unwanted parts from the chicken breasts before cooking.

Pre-marinade the chicken: Marinate the chicken breasts in hummus the night before to save time and enhance flavor.

Use pre-made hummus: Opt for store-bought hummus to cut down on preparation time.

Line the baking dish: Use parchment paper or foil to line the baking dish for easy cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra chicken breasts to have leftovers for the week.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper ahead of time to streamline the process.