Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas

This Mediterranean-inspired Swiss chard and chickpeas recipe is packed with nutrition for a quick-cooked side dish that goes with just about everything.

One of the most oft-repeated requests I receive is to share more easy side dishes. Like my Sautéed Spinach with Garlic, Roasted Asparagus, and Easy 5-Minute Parmesan Zucchini, this Mediterranean influenced leafy greens side dish ticks all the fast, easy, healthy check boxes, and more.

I first made this garlicky braised swiss chard and chickpeas recipe years ago, and it’s been on repeat ever since. Garlic and shallots add the savory bites to chard that’s been cooked tender in chicken or veggie broth before mixing it up with protein-packed chickpeas and salty feta cheese.

While I most often serve it as a side dish, this chard and chickpeas would be a fantastic vegetarian main served over rice, too. Here’s how to make it.

What’s In Garlicky Swiss Chard and Chickpeas

This recipe comes from one of my long-time blogging friend Lori of Recipe Girl, and her appropriately titled cookbook, The Recipe Girl Cookbook. Brimming with family-friendly recipes, this cookbook fits every home cook’s needs.

Here’s what’s in this recipe:

• Swiss chard: I chose rainbow Swiss chard, but there are multiple varieties to choose from.
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Shallots
• Garlic cloves
• Cooked chickpeas
• Lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Feta cheese

Healthy Swiss Chard and Chickpeas

Healthy-for-you, dark leafy greens can sometimes be confused for one another, but kale, swiss chard, and spinach are not the same thing, but are all delicious, and often interchangeable.

A member of the beet family, Swiss chard grows best in the spring and fall, when temps are cooler. High in fiber and low in calories, chard is a top source for vitamin K, potassium and magnesium, and some studies suggest it swiss chard is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels. 

Chickpeas, aka garbanzo beans, are also high in fiber and a fantastic source of vegetarian protein. Together, this is one power house recipe.

How to Cook This Recipe

Use the instructed amount of Swiss chard, even it if seems like too much. After chopping the pile of chard, it may seem like you have an excessive amount. You don’t. Like spinach, Swiss chard cooks down a bunch, so even if you think it’s too much, do not cut down on the amount of chard in this recipe.

Braise the greens in the broth of your choice. If you’re aiming for a fully vegetarian dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Cooking the chard in the broth, then straining it before adding the onion and shallots, creates a tender bite that isn’t bitter.

Cook the garlic and shallots just until softened. Don’t overcook or brown or burn these aromatics, or they’ll become bitter instead of sweet.

Use cooked chickpeas. Pop open a can of chickpeas, drain, and add to the skillet, cooking until warmed through.

Add a fresh tang with lemon and feta. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chunks of spunky feta cheese for even more Mediterranean flavor.

Substitutions to Try

There’s plenty of room for interpretation here by switching up the noted ingredients for what you have on hand.

• Sub out kale or spinach for the Swiss chard
• Try grated Parmesan cheese or creamy goat cheese instead of feta cheese
• Try thinly sliced yellow onion instead of shallots 

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats. 

What to Eat With Swiss Chard

• Baked Chicken Parmesan
• How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon
• Crispy Baked Garlic Shrimp
• The Best Steak Marinade in 30 Minutes
• Oven Roasted Chicken with Lemon Rosemary Garlic Butter

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