Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Toasted Farro Salad with Blackened Chicken isn't just a recipe—it's a taste sensation that combines the hearty, nutty goodness of perfectly cooked farro with spicy, crispy chicken that'll make your taste buds dance. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and flavor seekers alike, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking game with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup farro
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons blackening seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the farro thoroughly under cold water and drain. In a medium saucepan, add the farro with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-18 minutes until farro is tender but still has a slight bite.
- While farro is cooking, pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Generously coat both sides of the chicken with blackening seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The exterior should be dark and crispy with a blackened appearance.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Then slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Drain the cooked farro and spread on a large baking sheet to cool and prevent further cooking. Gently fluff with a fork.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled farro, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss the salad to combine ingredients.
- Arrange the farro salad on serving plates and top with sliced blackened chicken. Serve immediately at room temperature.
Tips
- Farro Perfection: Rinse your farro thoroughly and don't overcook—you want a slight chew for the best texture.
- Seasoning Secrets: Pat chicken completely dry before applying blackening seasoning to ensure a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness (165°F) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Cooling Technique: Spread cooked farro on a baking sheet to cool quickly and prevent mushy texture.
- Flavor Boost: Let chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices and enhance overall taste.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare farro and chicken in advance, making this a great meal-prep option.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
