Hey there, friends! It’s Mateo here, and today I’m thrilled to share a recipe that has quickly become a family favorite in our household: Air Fryer Chicken Farro. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also brings a comforting sense of home with every bite.
Cooking is my way of gathering the family together, especially after a hectic day. Imagine a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the aroma of seasoned chicken and the nutty scent of farro cooking away. That’s what you get with this recipe, and I’m excited for you to try it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights. Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? The air fryer speeds up the cooking process while still ensuring that each ingredient is cooked to perfection. Plus, the straightforward steps mean you can get dinner on the table in no time, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy the evening.
-
Healthy and Nourishing: Made with accessible ingredients like spinach and cherry tomatoes, it’s a wholesome meal. The combination of lean protein, hearty grains, and fresh vegetables makes for a balanced dinner option. Farro provides a good amount of fiber, keeping you full longer, while chicken offers high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth. The added vegetables not only contribute to the dish’s nutritional value but also add vibrant colors and flavors.
-
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer does most of the work, so you won’t be stuck doing dishes for long. Plus, with fewer pots and pans used, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal. The air fryer basket is easy to clean and often dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.
-
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners. It’s mild enough for young palates but flavorful enough to satisfy adults. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste preferences, adding more spices for the adults or keeping it mild and simple for the kids.
-
Versatile: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or grains. Whether it’s quinoa instead of farro or adding bell peppers for extra crunch, this recipe adapts to your pantry and personal preferences. Consider adding mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or some feta cheese for a creamy, tangy touch.
The Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Temperature: 380°F | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Farro: In a medium saucepan, combine farro and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until farro is tender. Drain any excess liquid if necessary. Farro’s chewy texture makes it a satisfying base for the chicken and vegetables. To enhance the nutty flavor of farro, you can lightly toast it in the saucepan for a few minutes before adding the broth.
-
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 380°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden exterior. A hot air fryer will sear the chicken quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
-
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring a juicy result. For an extra kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for added freshness.
-
Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece for even cooking.
-
Add Vegetables: After 10 minutes, add the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach to the chicken in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. The tomatoes will soften and sweeten, while the spinach wilts beautifully. The brief cooking time retains the nutritional value and vibrant colors of the vegetables.
-
Combine Ingredients: Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove from the air fryer and combine with the cooked farro. Toss well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld. The warmth from the chicken and veggies will gently reheat the farro, bringing the dish together harmoniously.
-
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy! The parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that enhances the overall dish. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of grated parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Helpful Tip: Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking. This ensures that each piece is perfectly cooked and tender.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air Fryer: The star of this recipe for quick and healthy cooking. It mimics the results of frying without the excess oil. Ensure your air fryer is large enough to accommodate the chicken without overcrowding, or cook in batches if necessary.
- Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking the farro perfectly. A good saucepan will evenly cook the farro, making it tender and fluffy. Look for a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss.
- Mixing Bowl: For seasoning the chicken. A large enough bowl allows you to coat the chicken pieces evenly. A wide, shallow bowl works best for easy tossing.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping your ingredients. Sharp knives and a sturdy cutting board make the preparation process smoother and safer. Keep your knife sharp to easily cut through chicken and vegetables.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Farro: This ancient grain is not only high in fiber but also provides a nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. It’s also rich in protein and iron, making it a great choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Farro is a whole grain, which means it retains more nutrients compared to refined grains.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the farro with rich flavor while cooking. It’s a simple way to add depth to the grain without additional seasoning. You can use low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake or homemade broth for a richer flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that cooks quickly and remains juicy in the air fryer. It’s versatile and takes well to a variety of seasonings. Opt for organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and ethical sourcing.
- Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the seasoning stick to the chicken. It also contributes to the crisping of the chicken in the air fryer. Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean diets and is known for its heart-healthy benefits.
- Garlic Powder and Paprika: Bring depth and warmth to the dish. Garlic powder infuses the chicken with a rich, savory note, while paprika adds a touch of smokiness. Experiment with smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Offer a burst of sweetness and color. They’re also a good source of vitamins A and C. Cherry tomatoes are sweeter than larger varieties and add a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins, it wilts perfectly in the heat. Spinach is rich in iron and adds a vibrant green color to the dish. Baby spinach is more tender and works well in this recipe.
- Parsley: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish. It’s not just for show; parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor. Flat-leaf parsley tends to have more flavor than curly parsley.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Air Fryer Chicken Farro pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, or for those chillier nights, a bowl of my Creamy Tomato Soup from the blog. Add a crusty bread roll to make it a complete meal. The warm, creamy soup complements the hearty farro and chicken, providing a comforting and satisfying dining experience.
For something different, consider serving it alongside my Homemade Garlic Breadsticks, which are always a hit with the family. The garlic breadsticks provide a satisfying crunch and are perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from the dish, making every bite even more delicious.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up. The air fryer will help maintain the chicken’s crispiness, ensuring your leftovers are just as enjoyable as the first serving.
This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned. Freezing in individual portions can make for convenient future meals, perfect for busy days when you need a quick, wholesome lunch or dinner.
There you have it, my friends! A delightful Air Fryer Chicken Farro that’s sure to become a staple in your home just like it is in mine. Remember, cooking is all about bringing joy and comfort to your table, and I hope this recipe does just that for you and your family. Don’t forget to share your experience with this dish and check out other comforting recipes on mateorecipes.blog. Until next time, happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Farro
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine farro and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until farro is tender. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- After 10 minutes, add the cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach to the chicken in the air fryer. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, remove from the air fryer and combine with the cooked farro. Toss well to combine.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.