Lemon Chicken, Farro & Kale Bowls
Lemony chicken, chewy farro, and generous garlicky kale make a colorful stovetop dinner featuring vegetables suited to Washington’s November season.
- Total time: 45 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $11
- Calories per serving: 560 cal
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Boneless skinless chicken breast12 ounces $5.49
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Pearled farro1/2 cup dry (about 3.5 ounces) $7.99
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Organic dino kale1 bunch, yielding about 6 ounces after stemming $2.99
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Organic carrots8 ounces $1.79
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Organic garlic2 cloves $6.99
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Lemon1 small, yielding 1 teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice $0.89
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Extra-virgin olive oil2 tablespoons, divided
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Diamond Crystal kosher salt3 1/4 teaspoons, divided
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Dried oregano1 teaspoon, divided
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Ground black pepper1/4 teaspoon, divided
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Strip the stems from 1 bunch organic dino kale to yield about 6 ounces of leaves; wash and slice the leaves into thin ribbons. Scrub 8 ounces carrots and cut into thin half-moons. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Zest and juice 1 small lemon, measuring out 1 teaspoon zest and 1 tablespoon juice.
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Pat 12 ounces chicken breast dry and slice horizontally into 2 cutlets about 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Let stand while starting the farro.
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Combine 1/2 cup dry pearled farro with 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook partially covered for 20–30 minutes, until pleasantly chewy. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out, then drain any excess water.
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Mix the lemon dressing in a small bowl:
- 1 teaspoon prepared lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon prepared lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Set aside for finishing the bowls.
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While the farro simmers, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F. Transfer to a clean plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add 2 teaspoons olive oil. Add the prepared carrots and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add 1/4 cup water, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes, until nearly tender. Stir in the prepared garlic for 30 seconds, then add the prepared kale, 1 1/2 teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Cover for 2 minutes, then uncover and toss for 1–2 minutes, until the kale is tender and excess moisture has evaporated.
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Fold the cooked farro and lemon dressing into the vegetables, scraping up any browned bits. Divide between 2 bowls, arrange the sliced chicken over the top, and spoon over its resting juices.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Health: Whole-grain farro adds fiber and a pleasantly chewy texture in place of refined grains.
Drink pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio complements the lemony chicken and balances the earthy kale and farro.