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| Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chickpeas |
Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp & Chickpeas
Bright, zesty, and protein-packed, this lemon garlic shrimp recipe with chickpeas comes together in under 30 minutes on a single sheet pan—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a tangy garlic-lemon marinade, roasted alongside crispy, fiber-rich chickpeas, then finished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve it as a main dish over rice, as a vibrant salad topper, or simply enjoy straight from the pan!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: Prep, roast, and serve—all in the time it takes to watch one episode of your favorite show.
- One-pan cleanup: Sheet-pan cooking ensures minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
- High protein & fiber: Shrimp and chickpeas team up for a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal.
- Versatile serving options: Enjoy as a main course, salad topper, side dish, or appetizer.
- Fresh, bright flavors: Lemon juice, zest, and garlic deliver a zingy punch without heavy sauces.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas
- 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp with Chickpeas
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
- In a large bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan; roast 20 minutes until slightly crisp. For extra crunch, roast 25–30 minutes.
- While chickpeas roast, combine shrimp, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss until evenly coated; let rest 10–15 minutes (shrimp will absorb more flavor).
- Remove sheet pan from oven; nestle marinated shrimp among chickpeas. (Optional: tuck a few lemon slices on top.)
- Return to oven and roast 8–10 minutes until shrimp are pink, opaque, and just cooked through.
- Squeeze extra lemon juice over the shrimp and chickpeas.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if desired, a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve hot—over steamed rice, tossed in a salad, or straight from the pan.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Over grains: Spoon lemon garlic shrimp and chickpeas onto brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Salad topper: Add to a bed of mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette.
- As an appetizer: Serve in small cups or on crostini for a festive starter.
- Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach or arugula in the last 2 minutes of roasting to wilt.
- Dairy-free & gluten-free: Naturally free of gluten and easily dairy-free—just skip any cheese garnish.
Meal Prep & Storage
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze portions (shrimp and chickpeas only) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes—just thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat dry before marinating to ensure the seasonings stick.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
Q: What if I don't have canned chickpeas?
A: Cook dried chickpeas ahead of time (1 cup dried yields about 3 cups cooked) or substitute with edamame for a different texture.
Q: Can I grill instead of roast?
A: Absolutely—skewer shrimp and toss chickpeas in a grill-safe basket; grill shrimp 2–3 minutes per side over medium heat.
Q: Is lemon zest necessary?
A: While optional, lemon zest intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor more sharply than juice alone—highly recommended for best results.
Enjoy this vibrant, one-pan lemon garlic shrimp with chickpeas for an effortless, flavorful meal any night of the week!
