In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink. You want a nice golden brown color on the outside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. If you're serving vegetarian guests, you may want to clean the skillet to keep it suitable for their portion.
Reheat the skillet and add an additional teaspoon of oil if needed. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they are crisp and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. The onions should be translucent and fragrant.
With the vegetables sautéed, it’s time to add the garbanzo beans, tomato puree, molasses, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick.
After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the garam masala and chopped chocolate. This is where the magic happens! The chocolate will melt and add a rich depth of flavor.
If you have vegetarian guests, remove a portion of the stew now before adding the chicken back in. This allows everyone to enjoy the dish.
Return the skillet to low heat and add the cooked chicken. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and the flavors have combined.
Serve the Chickpea Stew warm, perhaps with a side of cooked couscous or quinoa for a complete meal. Enjoy the happy faces around you!