If you are craving a dish that combines bold, aromatic flavors with creamy, satisfying textures, this Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect harmony of tender, smoky grilled chicken enriched with a spice blend that dances on your palate, paired beautifully with a luscious, sweetly caramelized onion hummus that brings depth and richness. This recipe is not only delicious but also showcases how simple ingredients can transform into a memorable meal that feels both special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh and accessible ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic of the Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, either enhancing the flavor complexity, ensuring a perfect texture, or adding a vibrant color to your plate.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 pounds): Fresh and high quality for juicy, tender meat that absorbs the spices well.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Essential for marinating and grilling, it adds a silky, rich layer of flavor.
- Garlic, minced (3-4 cloves): Delivers a robust punch that complements the spices perfectly.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings warm earthiness to the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Ground Coriander (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle citrusy depth that balances the smoky paprika.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides that irresistible smoky hint that defines the grilled chicken.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Adjust as needed to enhance all the flavors beautifully.
- Chickpeas (1 can, 15 ounces): The creamy base of the hummus, packed with protein and texture.
- Onions, finely sliced (2 medium): Slowly caramelized to develop a natural sweetness that lifts the hummus.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds zesty brightness to the hummus, balancing richness.
- Tahini (3 tablespoons): Gives the hummus a silky, nutty creaminess.
- Water (2-3 tablespoons): Used to adjust the hummus to perfect smoothness.
- Fresh Parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): The finishing touch for a fresh, herbal accent and pretty garnish.
How to Make Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and a dash of pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the chicken begins to soak up those irresistible flavors, so take a moment to give it a thorough stir and let the spices bloom.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it into your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets all the spices and garlic deeply infuse the chicken.
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
While the chicken is marinating, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the finely sliced onions, stirring occasionally, and cook slowly for about 20 to 25 minutes. Patience here pays off with beautifully caramelized onions that add a sweet, mellow depth to your hummus.
Step 4: Make the Caramelized Onion Hummus
Transfer those golden onions to a food processor along with the drained chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, tahini, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until smooth, adding water tablespoon by tablespoon until the hummus reaches your desired creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until they’re perfectly cooked through and carry those lovely grill marks. The fragrance at this stage is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Allow the grilled chicken to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping every bite juicy and tender. Serve the slices alongside a generous scoop of your caramelized onion hummus, sprinkled with fresh parsley for brightness.
How to Serve Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe
Garnishes
To take your presentation up a notch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the hummus and add a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You might also toss a few toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra pop of color and texture that complements the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe pairs like a dream with a variety of sides. Think warm pita bread or crunchy cucumber slices for dipping, a vibrant tabbouleh salad for freshness, or roasted vegetables seasoned simply with olive oil and herbs, which echo the smoky warmth of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern, shareable meal, serve the chicken sliced on a large platter next to the hummus in a rustic bowl surrounded by colorful veggies and flatbreads. You could also spread the hummus onto sandwiches or wraps and top with grilled chicken for a portable, flavor-packed lunch or picnic option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pack leftover chicken and hummus in airtight containers and keep them refrigerated. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, giving you the perfect quick meal boost or snack option without sacrificing taste.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Store the grilled chicken separately from the hummus in freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain the best texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best eating experience.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently, either in a low oven or microwave, to prevent drying it out. The hummus is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary there. Just give it a good stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more juiciness and flavor thanks to their fat content. Just adjust grilling time slightly to ensure they cook through thoroughly.
Is it possible to make the hummus without a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, a blender or an immersion blender will also work well for making the hummus smooth and creamy. Just add water gradually to help blend evenly.
How spicy is this Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe?
This recipe is flavorful with a warm, smoky spice but not overly hot. If you prefer heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade.
Can I prepare the marinade and onions in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade and caramelize the onions a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before grilling for convenience.
What’s the best way to grill if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
You can use a grill pan on the stove or even a broiler in your oven. Just keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid burning and cook evenly on both sides.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe truly captures the joy of combining simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers in comfort, flavor, and charm. Give it a whirl and watch it quickly become one of your go-to meals for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
Print
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Caramelized Onion Hummus Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Spiced Grilled Chicken recipe paired with a flavorful caramelized onion hummus offers a perfect balance of smoky, earthy spices and creamy, tangy hummus. Marinated in a blend of cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, garlic, and olive oil, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection. The accompanying hummus is enriched with slow-cooked caramelized onions for a deep sweetness that complements the savory grilled chicken, making it an irresistible and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Fresh and high quality for best results)
- 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For marinating the chicken)
- 3–4 cloves Garlic, minced (Adds robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (For earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander (Adds complexity)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (For smokiness)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, to taste
For the Caramelized Onion Hummus
- 1 can (15 ounces) Chickpeas, drained and rinsed (Main ingredient for hummus)
- 2 medium Onions, finely sliced (For caramelizing)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Adds acidity)
- 3 tablespoons Tahini (For creaminess)
- 2–3 tablespoons Water (To adjust consistency)
- Salt, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped (For garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create an evenly blended marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and are deeply caramelized, which adds rich sweetness to the hummus.
- Blend the hummus: Transfer the caramelized onions to a food processor. Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas, fresh lemon juice, tahini, and salt. Blend until smooth, gradually adding water as needed to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Rest and serve: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken and serve alongside the caramelized onion hummus, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will result in even more flavorful and tender meat.
- If a grill is not available, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
- Adjust the amount of water in the hummus to get your desired thickness; it should be creamy but not too runny.
- For a smoky flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the hummus as well.
- Leftover hummus can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
