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Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew

By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished May 10, 2026 · Updated May 10, 2026
Portuguese-Inspired 35 mins skilleteasyfamily-friendlyhighproteinglutenfreedairyfreeflavorfulheartyleftoversweeknight

A hearty and flavorful Portuguese-inspired skillet stew combining smoky chorizo with protein-rich chickpeas, perfect for quick family dinners and delicious leftovers.

Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew
Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty easy
Cuisine Portuguese-Inspired

Recipe Details

Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Total35 min
Servings4
Difficultyeasy
CuisinePortuguese-Inspired
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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

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat.
  2. 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.
  3. Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and diced red and yellow bell peppers; cook for another 3 minutes until peppers begin to soften.
  5. 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.
  6. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chickpeas, and chicken broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  7. Return the browned chorizo to the skillet and bring the stew to a gentle simmer.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the stew thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for freshness.
  11. Serve the stew warm with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over, enhancing the bright flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.

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.

These flexible swaps preserve the recipe’s ease, gluten-free and dairy-free status, and suitability for meal prep, leftovers, and family dinners.

Pan Or Pot Required

This recipe is crafted as a Skillet Meal, requiring a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to achieve the best results. A wide skillet with a lid is ideal for this Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew because it allows even browning of the chorizo, sautéing of the vegetables, and then simmering the stew ingredients all in one pan.

Using one skillet simplifies cleanup and helps the flavors meld beautifully as the heat distributes evenly. Opt for a cast iron or stainless steel skillet around 10 to 12 inches for optimal cooking space. Since this is a quick, easy, and family-friendly one-pan meal, having just one skillet on hand makes it perfect for weeknight dinners and delicious leftovers.

A skillet with a lid is useful to control simmering and moisture retention during the 15-minute cooking phase. If your skillet doesn’t have a lid, a heatproof plate or foil can be used to cover the dish while it cooks.

In summary, be sure to have:

  • A large, sturdy skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Lid for the skillet, or alternative cover (foil/plate)

This equipment aligns perfectly with PanPotPlates' one-pan meal ethos, saving time and dishes while delivering a hearty, flavorful stew.

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. This size provides enough room to sauté ingredients thoroughly without overcrowding and to simmer the stew evenly for the four servings.

Using a skillet this size ensures even heat distribution and sufficient surface area for the chorizo, vegetables, and chickpeas to meld flavors perfectly. If you prefer a deeper pot or casserole-style pan, choose one with a similar volume to avoid overcrowding or spills during cooking.

For leftovers or meal prep, a 12-inch skillet or slightly larger maintains the stew's texture and flavor upon reheating. Avoid smaller pans which can cause uneven cooking or oversized ones that lead to excessive evaporation.

Cookware Swap Guidance

This Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew is designed as a skillet meal, perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner. If you lack a large skillet, consider these substitutes to maintain the recipe’s integrity:

  • Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Casserole Pot: Excellent for slow, even cooking and holding moisture, these replicate skillet heat retention well.
  • Deep Sauté Pan or Frying Pan: Taller sides help prevent spills during simmering—ideal for one-pan meals.
  • Casserole Dish (Oven-Ready): Prep on stovetop and finish in the oven; ensure gentle simmering to cook evenly and safely.
  • Slow Cooker One-Pot: For low-maintenance cooking, brown chorizo separately then transfer ingredients to a slow cooker—perfect for meal prep.

Note: Avoid thin nonstick pans with low heat tolerance or small saucepans since browning and proper simmering are essential for thickening and flavor development.

These alternatives keep the dish hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly while fitting your kitchen gear.

Leftovers Quality

This Skillet Portuguese-Style Chorizo and Chickpea Stew stores well for 3-4 days in an airtight container refrigerated. The flavors meld and deepen, making leftovers especially satisfying for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation. This stew is freezable; freeze portions in airtight containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often, or use a microwave with 1-2 minute bursts, stirring between intervals. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating helps maintain a luscious texture.

Reheated leftovers remain gluten-free, dairy-free, and protein-packed. Serve again with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the flavors and enjoy convenience, nutrition, and hearty comfort.

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