Spice-Rubbed Chicken Breast on Toasted Pita with Piquillo-White Bean Hummus and Arugula Salad

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Total: 1 hr
  • Active: 1 hr
Advertisement

Ingredients

Piquillo Pepper-White Bean Hummus:

Two 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained, rinsed well and drained again

2 cloves garlic, chopped 

4 piquillo peppers, drained, patted dry and chopped 

1/2 cup tahini 

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano 

Pinch chile de arbol powder 

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

Honey, to taste

Spice-Rubbed Chicken Breasts:

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons cumin 

1 teaspoon coriander 

1 teaspoon kosher salt 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 

1/4 teaspoon cloves 

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 

1/4 teaspoon cardamom 

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (3 or 4 breasts) 

Canola oil, for brushing

Arugula Salad:

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest 

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 

Kosher salt

6 ounces baby arugula 

4 to 6 pitas, warmed 

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. For the hummus: Combine the beans and garlic in a food processor and process until coarsely chopped. Add the peppers, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice, and pulse until almost smooth. Add the parsley, oregano, chile de arbol and some salt and pepper; pulse a few times until just incorporated. Taste, and add a little honey as desired. If the mixture is very thick, pulse in some water; the hummus should be just pourable, more of a sauce than a dip. Transfer to a bowl. (Makes 4 cups; leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.)
  3. For the chicken: Combine the paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom in a bowl. Brush the chicken breasts on both sides with canola oil and rub the top side of each breast with some of the spice rub.
  4. Heat a nonstick or enameled cast-iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken, rub-side down, until golden brown and a crust has formed, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until just starting to brown on the reverse side, another 2 minutes.
  5. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook until an instant-read thermometer reads 160 degrees F, 7 to 10 minutes longer. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. For the salad: Whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil and some salt in a large bowl. Add the arugula and toss gently.
  7. To assemble: Pile some arugula salad on top of a warm pita, spoon over a generous amount of hummus, and pile on some sliced chicken. Serve warm.

Let's Get Cooking!

Sign up for the Recipe of the Day newsletter to receive editor-picked recipes,tips and videos delivered to your inbox daily. Privacy Policy

Thanks for subscribing to the Recipe of the Day newsletter. Check out all our other great newsletters from Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos.

We're sorry, there was an error signing you up. Please try again later.

Advertisement

Kelly

Really good. The hummus recipe is one I use for other dishes too!

See All Reviews