What cookware works best?

Use a wide skillet and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.

How do I know it is done?

Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

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Skillet Meals

Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew

Name: Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Portuguese-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound Portuguese chorizo, sliced; 1 large onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges, for serving

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated May 10, 2026

Portuguese-Inspired 35 mins skilleteasyfamily-friendlyhighproteinglutenfreedairyfreeflavorfulheartyleftoversweeknight

Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew is a practical PanPotPlates recipe built for dependable weeknight cooking.

Prep 10 min

Cook 25 min

Total 35 min

Servings 4

Difficulty easy

Cuisine Portuguese-Inspired

Ingredients

Servings 4

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Portuguese chorizo, sliced
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredients for Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced Portuguese chorizo and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fragrant. Remove chorizo with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the flavorful oil in the skillet.
Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and diced red and yellow bell peppers; cook for another 3 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
Add smoked paprika, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
Return the browned chorizo to the skillet and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for freshness.
Serve the stew warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over, enhancing the bright flavors.

Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew cooking in the recommended pan or pot

Tips

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is crafted as a Skillet Meal , requiring a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve the best results.

Cookware Size Guidance

For this Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew , a 12-inch (30 cm) skillet with a capacity of about 4 to 5 quarts is ideal.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew is designed as a skillet meal , perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.

Leftovers Quality

Reheat gently and add a splash of liquid when needed to keep the texture moist and tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew ahead?: Yes. Prep the ingredients or cook the full dish ahead, then reheat gently so the texture stays close to freshly made.
What cookware works best?: Use a wide skillet and avoid crowding so the recipe cooks evenly.
How do I know it is done?: Follow the recipe timing, then check the main ingredient for tenderness, bubbling, browning, or safe doneness before serving.
Can I adjust the seasoning?: Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, herbs, or heat in small amounts.

This hearty Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew is adaptable for various diets and preferences without losing flavor or texture.

Chorizo: Swap for smoked turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner protein. For vegetarian or vegan options, use smoked tofu, tempeh, or plant-based sausage to retain smoky and spicy notes.
Chickpeas: Replace with cannellini or black beans for flavor variation or dietary needs.
Chicken Broth: Use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian or vegan, or select low-sodium broth to control salt.
Olive Oil: Substitute with avocado or other neutral oils as preferred.
Spices (Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Red Pepper Flakes): Adjust heat levels or swap with chipotle or mild chili powders for variety or to suit sensitive palates.

Storage and Reheating

Cool Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew before storing. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze portions for longer storage when the ingredients are freezer-friendly. Reheat gently with a splash of liquid if the dish looks dry.

Read related air fryer guides and cooking tips.

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Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew

Recipe Details

Ingredients

Instructions