5.0 from 603 votes
Freekeh with Chicken
Freekeh with chicken is a delicious and well-balanced meal made with the ancient grain and served with toasted nuts & herbs. It's a popular Lebanese recipe!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Soaking time
30 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 346 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Lebanese
Ingredients
For the Freekeh
- 2 cups cracked freekeh
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups water
For the Chicken and Nuts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- ½ cup blanched almonds
- 1.5-2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon 7 Spice 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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
Nutrition Information
Calories
346kcal
(17%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
26g
(52%)
Fat
16g
(25%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Cholesterol
81mg
(27%)
Sodium
373mg
(16%)
Potassium
280mg
(8%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
60IU
(1%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
51mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 346
% 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.