Hello, my dear friends! Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite family recipes that combines the heartiness of spelt grains with the juicy tenderness of chicken: Air Fryer Chicken Spelt. This dish is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Just imagine gathering around the dining table with your loved ones, sharing stories, and enjoying a meal that feels like a warm hug. That’s what this recipe is all about.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Family-Friendly & Comforting: This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The comforting aroma of chicken and spelt cooking together will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinnertime. Picture a chilly evening, the kitchen warm with the scent of spices, as this meal brings comfort and joy to your loved ones.
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Healthy & Nutritious: With spelt grains and lean chicken, this meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that you can feel good about serving to your family. Spelt is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, while chicken provides lean protein necessary for muscle repair and maintenance.
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Quick & Easy: Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making this an ideal weeknight meal without the fuss. In less than an hour, you can have a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence but quality is still a priority.
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Accessible Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making it an easy go-to recipe when you’re short on time. This dish is made with ingredients that are staples in many kitchens, ensuring that you can whip it up without a last-minute run to the grocery store.
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Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is a great base for your creativity. Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own. Whether you prefer a touch of heat with cayenne pepper or a hint of sweetness with honey, this dish can adapt to your taste preferences effortlessly.
The Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 380°F
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spelt grains
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth (for cooking spelt)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spelt: Start by rinsing the spelt grains under cold water. This step helps to remove any dust or impurities that might be present. In a medium saucepan, combine the spelt and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the grains are tender. If there’s any excess liquid, drain it off and set the spelt aside. Spelt has a delightful nutty flavor and a chewy texture, which pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
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Preheat the Air Fryer: While the spelt is cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, which helps in achieving a nice, crispy exterior.
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Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it ensures the seasoning adheres properly. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with this flavorful mixture. The olive oil helps the spices stick and adds a golden color to the chicken.
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Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 12 minutes. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, giving it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
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Flip and Finish Cooking: After 12 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
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Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Serve it over the cooked spelt and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up the dish.
Helpful Tip: To ensure even cooking, try to make the chicken breasts an even thickness. You can easily do this by pounding them gently with a mallet or rolling pin. This step also helps the chicken cook more quickly and evenly, preventing dry spots.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Air Fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy exterior on the chicken without extra oil. The rapid air circulation cooks food quickly and evenly, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Medium Saucepan: For cooking the spelt grains to perfection. A good saucepan ensures even heat distribution, which is key for cooking grains.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine your seasoning and coat the chicken. A mixing bowl makes it easy to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning blend.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements. Accurate measurements ensure the flavors are balanced, particularly important when using potent spices.
- Meat Thermometer: To make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. This tool takes the guesswork out of cooking and guarantees juicy chicken every time.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that provides essential nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, and selenium. It’s versatile enough to soak up all those delicious spices, making it a canvas for flavor.
- Spelt Grains: An ancient grain that’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium, making it a great alternative to rice or pasta for a more nutritious meal.
- Olive Oil: Adds healthy monounsaturated fats and helps to crisp up the chicken nicely in the air fryer. Its mild flavor complements the spices without overpowering them.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: These spices add depth and a savory kick, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. They are convenient to use and provide a consistent flavor profile.
- Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. It adds color and complexity, transforming the flavor into something special.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the spelt with savory flavors, making it more delicious and satisfying. Using broth instead of water adds richness and depth to the grains.
What to Serve With This Dish
For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing this Air Fryer Chicken Spelt with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken and spelt. If you’re looking for more comfort food inspiration, try my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetable Medley to complement the flavors perfectly. These sides add variety and make the meal even more satisfying.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will because it’s so delicious!), store the chicken and spelt separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate prevents the spelt from becoming soggy. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain its crispiness, and warm the spelt on the stovetop or in the microwave. The air fryer will help maintain the chicken’s texture, while gently reheating the spelt preserves its flavor and moisture.
To learn more about safe food storage, check out FoodSafety.gov. Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and safety of your leftovers.
In closing, I hope this Air Fryer Chicken Spelt recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a dish that’s not just about satisfying hunger, but about creating memories and bringing family and friends together. Cooking is a beautiful way to connect with loved ones, and this recipe is perfect for sharing. So, why not give it a try and let me know how it goes? Until next time, happy cooking, my friends!
Air Fryer Chicken Spelt
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the spelt grains under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine spelt and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain any excess liquid and set aside.
- While the spelt cooks, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the mixture.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, flip the chicken and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve over the cooked spelt and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.