Teresa's Recipes
Chicken Freekeh
Dive into the rich flavors of this hearty Chicken Freekeh, a dish that marries tender, juicy chicken with nutty freekeh grains and aromatic spices. Originating from the Middle East, freekeh is a green wheat that has been harvested early, giving it a unique, smoky flavor and impressive nutritional profile. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy a taste of tradition with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon, ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon, ground Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 large, chopped Onion
- 1 cup, rinsed Freekeh
- 2 large, boneless and skinless Chicken breasts
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook until browned on both sides, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the rinsed freekeh, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the freekeh with the spices, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the freekeh is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- While the freekeh is cooking, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the freekeh is cooked, add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the Chicken Freekeh hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as diced carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.