Hello there, dear friend! Welcome back to Mateo’s kitchen, where we turn everyday ingredients into family-friendly feasts. Today, I’ve got a special treat for you: Air Fryer Chicken Kamut. This dish combines the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs with the nutty, wholesome goodness of kamut, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug from home. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet nutritious.
Let me tell you, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. The first time I made it, my kids couldn’t get enough, and it quickly became a family favorite. Picture us all gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter while enjoying this delightful dish. That’s what cooking is all about for me—bringing family and friends together over a meal that warms both the heart and the belly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, this recipe fits perfectly into your busy schedule. You’ll have a wholesome meal on the table in no time. The air fryer speeds up the cooking process without compromising flavor or texture, making it an indispensable tool in modern kitchens.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, while kamut adds fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and iron. Together, they create a balanced meal that you can feel good about serving your family. Kamut is an ancient grain that has remained largely unaltered by modern agriculture, which many believe contributes to its nutritional density.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of garlic, paprika, and thyme infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer keeps the chicken moist with a crispy exterior—perfection! The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, ensuring an even cook and that coveted crispiness without the need for excessive oil.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is mild enough for kids to enjoy but flavorful enough for adults. It’s a great way to introduce your little ones to the wholesome taste of kamut. For families with picky eaters, the mild yet satisfying flavors can be a gateway to exploring more adventurous ingredients.
- Versatile: Whether you’re having a quiet family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to pair with a variety of sides for a complete meal. You can customize the spice blend to suit your taste preferences, adding a bit of cayenne for heat or swapping thyme for rosemary for a different herbal note.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup cooked kamut (about 1/3 cup dry kamut before cooking)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately and helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well to form a paste-like consistency that will adhere to the chicken.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly covered for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
- Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flipping halfway through ensures even browning on both sides.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the kamut according to package instructions if not already cooked. Cooking it in advance can save time during meal prep.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more succulent.
- Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of kamut and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. The fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
Helpful Tip: Rinse kamut before cooking to enhance its nutty flavor and improve digestibility. Soaking it overnight can also reduce cooking time and make it even more digestible.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer: Essential for that perfect, crispy exterior on the chicken. If you don’t own one yet, they’re a great investment for healthier cooking.
- Mixing bowl: To blend all those delicious spices and coat the chicken. Opt for a bowl that’s large enough to allow for easy mixing and tossing.
- Meat thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked just right every time. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe, and overcooked can be dry, so aim for that perfect internal temperature.
- Cutting board and knife: For slicing the chicken after it rests. A good, sharp knife makes slicing easier and cleaner.
- Saucepan: If you need to cook your kamut from scratch. A heavy-bottomed saucepan will ensure even cooking without burning.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Chicken Thighs: These are more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts, making them ideal for air frying. They provide a good source of protein and essential vitamins like B6 and B12, which are crucial for brain health.
- Kamut: An ancient grain packed with fiber, protein, and minerals like magnesium. It’s a wonderful alternative to rice or pasta, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture. Kamut is also known for its higher protein content compared to other grains.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps crisp up the chicken and enhances the flavor of the spices. Rich in monounsaturated fats, it’s also linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation.
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, and Thyme: This spice combination adds depth and warmth to the dish, transforming simple chicken thighs into something extraordinary. These spices not only enhance flavor but also offer antioxidant properties.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and spices. A fundamental seasoning duo that is crucial for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It also provides vitamins A, C, and K, making it a nutritious garnish.
What to Serve With This Dish
This Air Fryer Chicken Kamut pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Try my easy Roasted Vegetables with Garlic and Herbs for a vibrant and healthy side. Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables, creating a delicious contrast to the savory chicken.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Consider adding ingredients like sliced almonds or avocado for extra texture and flavor.
- Garlic Bread: For a comforting touch, whip up a batch of my Homemade Garlic Bread, perfect for soaking up any leftover juices. The buttery, garlicky bread is a delightful indulgence that pairs well with the meal.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover chicken and kamut in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them in separate containers can help maintain their individual textures.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain its crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use an oven or microwave, but the air fryer keeps the exterior crispy.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re in a well-sealed container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Incorporating Air Fryer Chicken Kamut into your meal rotation is a surefire way to add some excitement to your dinner table. With its simple ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s a dish that’s bound to become a household staple. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own—I’d love to hear how you tweak it for your family!
Cooking for family and friends is truly one of life’s greatest joys, and I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you. Remember, the kitchen is a place for creativity and connection, and I hope this dish brings as much happiness to your home as it has to mine. Until next time, happy cooking!
For more delicious and family-friendly recipes, be sure to explore Mateo Recipes Blog, where good food and great memories are just a click away. And if you’re curious about the wonders of ancient grains like kamut, check out this informative article on Bon Appétit.
Air Fryer Chicken Kamut
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture.
- Place the coated chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, then flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the kamut according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of kamut and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.