Freekeh with Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Soaking time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
346 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Lebanese
Freekeh with Chicken
Description
This Freekeh with Chicken recipe begins by rinsing and soaking cracked freekeh before cooking it in olive oil with diced onions, salt, and pepper. The freekeh cooks covered in water until tender, absorbing the flavors from the onions and seasoning.
Chicken breasts or thighs are seasoned generously with salt, pepper, and a seven-spice blend (or cinnamon), then pan-fried. Almonds are blanched and fried separately to a golden crisp, adding texture and richness when sprinkled on the freekeh and chicken.
The combination balances the slightly smoky, chewy freekeh grain with well-spiced, juicy chicken and crunchy nuts. The dish finishes with chopped parsley for a fresh herbal note.
This preparation highlights the nutty essence of freekeh and the warmth of the spice seasoning on the chicken, making it suitable for a nourishing main course. The separate toasting of almonds complements both the grain and poultry.
Ingredients
For the Freekeh
- 2 cups freekeh cracked
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion diced, medium
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups water
For the Chicken and Nuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- ½ cup almonds blanched
- 1.5-2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless, or thighs
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon 7 spice seasoning or cinnamon
- parsley chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Pick over freekeh to remove any debris, and rinse in cold water until water looks clear. Soak the freekeh in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer the freekeh over the cooked onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the water, turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover and turn heat to low. Cook until the freekeh is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring a couple times.
- Season the chicken on both sides generously with salt and pepper and 7 spice.
- Transfer cooked freekeh to a serving dish and cover to keep warm.
- Wipe the skillet with a paper towel, then heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat. Add almonds and fry, stirring, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove almonds and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet on medium heat and transfer the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without touching, then flip over and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through.
- Lay the chicken on top of the cooked freekeh. Top with reserved fried almonds and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 346kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 81mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 373mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 280mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 51mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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