Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce

Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce are the ideal choice when it comes to preparing a dish that is flavorful and nourishing. This meal has a zesty, somewhat spicy Calabrian chili sauce, tender, seasoned chicken, and the hearty richness of Banza pasta, which is produced from chickpeas. These substantial and healthful chicken bowls will satisfy your taste buds whether you’re searching for a quick dinner idea or to meal prep for the week.

Because banza pasta is produced from chickpeas rather than wheat, it has more protein and fiber. It’s a great choice for people who are sensitive to gluten because it’s also devoid of gluten. This dish is not only very gratifying but also very nutritious due to the wonderful pairing of savory chicken and robust Calabrian chili sauce with the somewhat nutty flavor of banza.

Small red peppers from the Italian area of Calabria are known as Calabrian chilis. They are renowned for having a flavor that is complex and combines fruitiness, smokiness, and mild spice. They’re frequently found in jars in Italian markets or specialized food stores, either as a paste or in oil. They enrich the chicken and chickpea pasta in this recipe with a fierce yet well-balanced heat that doesn’t overpower your palate.

For the Bowls of Chicken: – Two skinless, boneless breasts (or thighs)

As a garnish, fresh parsley or basil

One box of Banza pasta (penne or shells work nicely)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil – 1 teaspoon powdered garlic
1 tsp of paprika with smoke

One teaspoon dried oregano

One red bell pepper, cut – Salt and pepper to taste

One sliced zucchini – Half a sliced red onion

One cup kale or spinach

Two tablespoons of chopped Calabrian chilies in oil, or Calabrian chili paste

• One-fourth cup olive oil
  1-tablespoon lemon juice
  -1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• Two minced garlic cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper

Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready 1. Salt and Pepper the Chicken Combine the dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chicken breasts should be rubbed on all sides with the mixture.

2. Prepare the poultry: One tablespoon of olive oil is heated over medium heat in a skillet. Add the chicken breasts and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 6–7 minutes on each side. Before slicing the chicken into strips, take it out of the skillet and give it a five-minute rest.

Vegetable Roasting Step 2 1. Vegetable Preparation Set oven temperature to 400°F, or 200°C. Arrange the bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion slices evenly on a baking pan. Add a drizzle of olive oil and season with pepper and salt.

2. Farm: After flipping them midway through, roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are soft and beginning to caramelize.

Step3: Prepare the Banza Pasta 1. Prepare the pasta: Prepare the Banza pasta per the directions on the package while the chicken and veggies are cooking. After draining, be sure to give the pasta a quick rinse under cold water to get rid of any extra starch and prevent it from sticking together.

2. Reserve: After cooking, toss the pasta in a little olive oil and set it aside.

Step 4: Preparing the Calabrian Chili Sauce (1)Stir in the sauce**. Calabrian chili paste (or chopped chilis), olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper should all be combined in a small bowl. If needed, adjust the seasoning by tasting it. Use less chili paste if you like your heat to be softer.

Step 5: Put the Chicken Bowls Together

1. Arrange the components: Start by adding a heaping portion of Banza pasta to each bowl. Place the cut chicken and roasted veggies on top. For more greens, add a handful of raw spinach or kale.
2. Drizzle with sauce: Drizzle the chicken and veggies with a large amount of Calabrian chili sauce.
3. Accented: For a last touch of freshness, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top.

Second Step: Present and Savor

It’s now time to savor your Banza Chicken Bowls with Calabrian Chili Sauce! Keep some additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling while you eat, and serve warm.

Achievement Pointers – Tailor the Vegetables: Feel free to utilize whichever veggies you happen to have on hand. Sweet potatoes, carrots, or broccoli would all be great additions to this recipe.

Storage: Keep the veggies, pasta, and chicken separate in the refrigerator in airtight containers. This keeps things fresh for three to four days. Additionally, the chili sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Make it Vegan: For a plant-based alternative, omit the chicken and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Since Banza pasta is inherently vegan, making the switch is simple!

Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a big fan of hot sauce, start with a low dose of Calabrian chili paste and add more gradually as necessary.

Nutritional Benefits – Protein-Packed: This dish is perfect for refueling your day because it is packed with protein from the chickpea and chicken pasta.

• heavy in Fiber: The veggies and Banza pasta make this dish heavy in fiber, which helps with digestion and prolongs feeling full.
• Healthy Fats: The antioxidants in the Calabrian chiles and the olive oil in the sauce promote heart health.