Freekeh with Chicken
Freekeh with chicken is such a well-rounded Arabic meal. Freekeh is young green wheat that is packed with nutritional value. There are two known variations of freekeh. The freekeh used in traditional Palestinian freekeh soup is actually fine freekeh, while the one used in this recipe or as a replacement for rice is coarse. Freekeh has such an earthy, nutty flavor and pairs perfectly with this spiced chicken. It is also fabulous in salad form!
How to make this simple Freekeh with chicken?
Freekeh with chicken is very easy to prepare especially following this method. The chicken in the recipe is cut into smaller cubes rather than whole pieces, which requires roasting the chicken. The chicken breast will only need under 10 minutes, and the freekeh will take just about 25 minutes making this a quick, balanced meal. Many are intimidated to cook freekeh, but it is just as simple as adding stock, an onion, and a few spices to jazz it up. The only thing with freekeh is that it must be thoroughly rinsed and even soaked to remove any dirt or stones found amongst the grains. So, before using this grain, rinse it several times to purify it.
This authentic Palestinian dish is typically served with freekeh stuffed inside a whole chicken or roasted chicken on top of freekeh. This variation is meant to cut down on prep and cook time for those busy days but not cut down on any flavor. It is typically served with Arabic salad and plain yogurt for a complete wholesome meal.
Here are a few other dishes that are simplified Arabic meals: Sayadieh, Chicken Shawarma, Macarona Bi’lahmeh, Beef Kofta kebab, Kofta bil tahini, Bulgur salad
I would love to hear your thoughts when you try this recipe or any of my recipes in the comments below! Please share your remakes with me on Instagram for me to repost as well!
Freekeh with chicken
Ingredients
Freekeh Preperation
- 2 cups Freekeh, coarse, thoroughly rinsed & drained
- 1 Yellow onion, diced finely
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 Bouillon cube, crushed
- 1/4 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Seven Spice
- 2.5 cups Cooking Liquid
Chicken Preperation
- 2 Chicken Breasts, cubed 1- 2inch cubes
- 1 tbsp Seven spice
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 A fresh lemon's juice
- 2 tbsp Olive oil, divided
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Topping
- Toasted slivered almonds
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken with the spices, lemon, and 1 tbsp oil making sure to coat the cubes evenly. Marinate this while getting the freekeh started. You can also marinate the chicken overnight to be cooked the following day.
- To make the freekeh, add the oil to a pot along with the chopped onions. Saute until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle the onions with salt and pepper.
- To the pot, add the freekeh along with the spices, bouillon cube, and 2.5 cups of vegetable stock or water as the cooking liquid.
- Bring this to a boil then simmer on low with the cover on for about 20 minutes stirring every few minutes. Keep the freekeh covered to remain warm once cooked.
- To make the chicken, add it to a nonstick skillet with 1 tbsp of oil then laying the chicken evenly and cook on medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes flipping them halfway through. Chicken is cooked when there is no pink in the center.
- Top the cooked freekeh with the seared chicken then garnish with the nuts and parsley. Serve with plain yogurt and a fresh arabic salad!
Phenomenal recipe, tastes so delicious and is so quick and easy to make!! ♥️
Thank you so much!
amazing and delicious!!!! so easy to make. thank you fufu!
My pleasure!
OMG! Heifa this turned out so yummy! I was scared to do it but you made it so easy. Thank you!
I am so happy you gave it a try and loved it!
I can’t wait to try! Now I know the difference for course and fine freekah!
Made this meal this week and the freekeh tasted delicious and was so easy! Thank you!
I am thrilled to hear that, Sherry. Thank you!
As an Algerian, I’ve always loved my Palestinian friends’ cooking, but was always so intimidated to try. But your recipes make it so easy, I’ve been making so many different dishes and my family loves it. Thank you for sharing these gems!
I am so happy to hear you are enjoying these dishes and nailing these recipes! I appreciate the kind words.
I have made this three times already and is one of my favorite dishes from here! So easy and fast to make and tastes absolutely delicious. The directions are easy to follow as well but make sure to read the intro for helpful and required steps!
Thanks, Ghada!
So delicious and simple. The spices take it to another level!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
10/10 would recommend every recipe Fufu comes up with. My kids devoured this. it was quick, easy and delicious.
That means so much, thank you!
This recipe came out so delicious honestly! I loved it and so did my husband! I seriously feel like fufu is my dream come true! So many times I’d grow up going to khaltos homes for dinner invites, and just leave like, man I wish I could cook like that! And I feel like I can now! Thank you!
You are so kind, thank you!