Freekeh With Plant-Based Chicken

Freekeh with chicken has always been one of my favourite Arabic meals growing up; it’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavour. If you’ve never tried freekeh before, it’s an ancient grain that’s high in protein and has a deliciously nutty taste. I actually prefer it over rice because it’s more nutritious and has so much more depth of flavour. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd!

Traditionally, this Middle Eastern dish is made with a whole chicken stuffed with freekeh or roasted chicken served on top. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, I switched to a pescatarian diet, which led me to find a new way to enjoy this classic meal. Now, I make it with plant-based chicken pieces, which not only keeps it in line with my diet but also makes it so much quicker and easier to prepare!

I love serving it with a fresh Arabic salad and a side of plain yogurt for a wholesome, well-balanced meal. It’s simple, nourishing, and still gives me all the comfort of the traditional dish I grew up with. Hope you give it a try!

Ingredients:

1 cups freekeh (coarse), rinsed and drained
A bag of Plant-Based Chicken (or your choice of protein)
1 onion, finely diced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ tsp seven spice
2.5 cups vegetable stock
Toasted slivered almonds & chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Freekeh:

Sauté the chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the rinsed freekeh, spices and 2.5 cups of vegetable stock.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Once done, keep it covered to stay warm.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken:

Sauté the plant-based chicken pieces with some of the spices to give it colour. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve:

Fluff the freekeh and transfer to a serving dish.
Top with the plant-based chicken pieces.
Garnish with toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or plain yogurt.

💬 I’d love to know what you think! If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out.

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