Chicken and Black Eyed Peas Recipes for Easy Meals

Chicken and black-eyed peas have long been a beloved combination in many cultures, celebrated for their hearty flavors and wholesome nutrition. This pairing offers a delightful balance between tender, juicy chicken and the earthy, slightly nutty taste of black-eyed peas.

Whether you’re craving a comforting stew, a spicy jambalaya, or a simple one-pot meal, chicken and black-eyed peas recipes provide versatility and satisfaction.

Not only is this combo delicious, but it also comes packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making it a nourishing choice for lunch or dinner. The ease of preparation and the ability to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs and spices add to its appeal.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several fantastic chicken and black-eyed peas recipes, along with tips, variations, and serving ideas to help you make the most of this classic duo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and black-eyed peas recipes are perfect for those who crave comfort food that’s both wholesome and flavorful. The tender chicken absorbs the spices beautifully, while the black-eyed peas add a creamy texture and subtly sweet taste that complements the savory elements.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make it as simple or as gourmet as you like. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s easy to scale and adapt.

Plus, the ingredients are budget-friendly and widely available, making this dish accessible to everyone.

You’ll also appreciate the nutritional benefits—black-eyed peas provide a great source of fiber and plant-based protein, while chicken adds lean protein and essential nutrients. Together, they create a balanced meal that keeps you energized and satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Strainer (if using dried black-eyed peas)
• Bowl (for soaking peas if dried)
• Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the black-eyed peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them under cold water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain before cooking. If using canned, simply drain and rinse.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in smoked paprika, thyme, cumin (if using), cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start breaking down.
5. Combine ingredients: Return the chicken to the pot. Add the soaked black-eyed peas and pour in the chicken broth. Toss in the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine well.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45-60 minutes if using dried peas, or 20-30 minutes if using canned, until the peas are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

“Soaking dried black-eyed peas not only reduces cooking time but also improves digestibility.”

• Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Add smoked sausage or chorizo for a spicy, smoky twist.
• Try coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a creamy, slightly sweet version.
• Incorporate greens like kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
• For a slow cooker version, brown the chicken and sauté the veggies, then transfer all to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
• Make it vegan by substituting chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and using vegetable broth instead.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its richness and hearty texture. Consider serving your chicken and black-eyed peas over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up the flavorful broth beautifully.

Cornbread or a crusty artisan bread also complements this meal, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed greens or a fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette.

If you’re interested in exploring more wholesome recipes, check out our Baked Chicken and Veggies Recipe Copper Pan Delight for an easy vegetable-packed meal or the All Recipes Chicken Rice and Vegetable Soup Ideas for a comforting soup alternative.

Delicious Chicken and Black Eyed Peas Recipes You Should Try

Classic Southern Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas Stew

This slow-cooked stew is a comforting Southern classic. It features smoky bacon, seasoned chicken, and tender black-eyed peas simmered in a rich tomato broth with onions, celery, and bell peppers.

Serve it with cornbread for the ultimate soul food experience.

Spicy Cajun Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas Jambalaya

Infused with Cajun spices, this jambalaya recipe combines chicken, black-eyed peas, and rice with a kick of heat from cayenne and smoked paprika. Addouille sausage and bell peppers make this dish a party of flavors.

Perfect for a festive gathering!

One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken with Black-Eyed Peas

This recipe highlights Mediterranean flavors using lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. Chicken thighs are seared and simmered with black-eyed peas, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a vibrant, healthy meal that’s quick to make.

Caribbean-Inspired Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas Curry

Rich with fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and allspice, this curry blends tender chicken and black-eyed peas with coconut milk and fresh cilantro. Serve over jasmine rice for a taste that transports you straight to the islands.

Chicken and Black-Eyed Peas Salad with Citrus Dressing

For a lighter option, try this refreshing salad combining grilled chicken, cooked black-eyed peas, diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Tossed with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or picnic.

Explore more recipe ideas and cooking inspiration at Dassana Veg Recipes: Easy and Delicious Meals to Try for additional healthy meal options.

Conclusion

Chicken and black-eyed peas recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, hearty meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether you prefer a slow-cooked stew, a spicy jambalaya, or a fresh salad, there’s a recipe to suit every taste and occasion.

With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, these dishes are perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to add variety to their meal rotation. The combination of lean protein and fiber-rich legumes helps keep you full and energized, making it a smart choice for balanced eating.

We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the wonderful flavors of chicken paired with black-eyed peas. Don’t forget to explore our other delicious recipes like Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more culinary adventures!

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