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chicken freekeh with peas and nuts in a bowl
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5 from 2 votes

Chicken Freekeh Pilaf

This spiced chicken freekeh recipe with peas and nuts is a family favorite. It's packed with flavor and warm, hearty spices.
Servings: 5

Ingredients

  • lbs bone-in chicken breasts and legs
  • cups dry freekeh
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 tablespoon ghee
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • cup raw nuts

Freekeh Spices

Chicken Spices

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole caraway
  • 5-6 whole cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot, and add the chicken. Sear for about a minute on each side, then add the chicken spices, onion (cut in quarters), and at least 6 cups (about 1.5 liters) of hot water. Cover and boil for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. 
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, start on the freekeh. Melt 2 tablespoon of ghee in a medium-sized nonstick pot on medium heat, and add the washed freekeh along with the freekeh spices. Fry while stirring continuously for 5-6 minutes or until the freekeh gets an even color. Pour around 3 cups of the broth the chicken was cooking in on to the freekeh, or enough broth to cover it. Cover and let boil for 30-35 minutes or until tender. 
  • Once the freekeh is cooked, take the pot off the stove, add in the frozen peas, cover, and let steam for 10 minutes. Fluff freekeh with a fork and transfer to your serving dish. Shred the chicken and add it on top. 
  • Fry the nuts in another 2 tablespoon of ghee until they're golden brown (stirring continuously), then pour on top of the freekeh.

Notes

  1. Save any remaining broth for soups, curries, stews, rice, etc. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 519kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 530mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g