Freekeh with Ginger Chicken is a great hearty dish all year that really hits the spot. The fluffy and flavorful cooked durum wheat topped with that spicy chicken will give you all the feels. It’s the perfect variation to the Freekeh with Beef Shanks recipe if you’re a chicken lover.
Also check out the Freekeh with Beef Shanks recipe for more information about durum wheat, and the origins of Freekeh.
Ginger Chicken has Chinese origins and actually the whole dish is originated from a Chinese beef variation called Ginger Beef. In the original recipe, it calls for actually deep-frying the beef along with ginger, peppers, onions, and carrots and pouring over them a sweet sauce for an added kick in flavors. So for people who prefer chicken over beef, and a healthier method of preparation, my Ginger Chicken recipe is the perfect alternative.
List of ingredients for Freekeh with Ginger Chicken
Green Durum Wheat (Freekeh)
- soaked Durum Wheat
- water
- onions
- olive oil
- seven spices
- bouillon cubes
- Himalayan salt
Ginger Chicken
- chicken breast
- minced ginger
- garlic cloves
- mustard
- ketchup
- plain yogurt
- salt
- citric acid (pinch)
- olive oil
- peanut butter
Different ways to serve Chicken with Freekeh
- An original Lebanese way to serve Freekeh with chicken is to boil to the chicken first, pull it apart, use its broth to cook the durum wheat in, and add the pulled-apart chicken pieces to the freekeh as it is cooking.
- Another variation is to marinade small cubed chicken pieces and sauté with minced garlic and onion in a pot, then add your durum wheat, water, and preferred spices and cook together.
Other recipes you may want to try
- Meat and Rice Stuffed Squash
- Hearty Kafta and Potato Stew
- The Best Whipped Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Chickpea Curry Stew
- Clotted Cream (Sweet)- Ashta
Freekeh with Ginger Chicken
Ingredients
Green Durum Wheat (Freekeh)
- 3 cups soaked Durum Wheat
- 3 cups water
- 2 onions cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅛ teaspoon seven spices (half of ¼ tsp.)
- 2 bouillon cubes
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
Ginger Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs. chicken breast
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoons ketchup
- ¼ cup yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- citric acid (pinch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon peanut butter
Instructions
Freekeh
- Wash durum wheat and drain. Then soak the wheat in 3-4 cups of hot water for about 20 minutes then drain any water left.
- In a pot add oil and sauté’ cubed onions until golden brown. Add in the drained durum wheat, water, spices, salt, and bouillon cubes. Boil for 2 minutes then cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once finished, allow wheat to rest for 10minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Ginger Chicken
- Cut chicken breast in half, then cut each piece length-wise to thin it out.
- Meanwhile, whisk all ingredients together and pour over chicken. Mix well.
- Chicken can be cooked right away, but best to allow to marinate 4-6 hours, best if left overnight. Cook chicken 4 minutes each side or until done.
- Serve over freekeh with toasted almonds.
Recipe videos you may want to try
Creamy Hummus Recipe
Tabouli Salad
Samar says
This FREEKEH WITH GINGER CHICKEN recipe was SO good! So easy to prepare and the outcome is delicious.
Mona says
This recipe reminds me of home❤
Tried it today and it was absolutely amazing. Will make it more often.
Tania says
Hi, I’m about to try this freekeh but i wonder how long should I soak this before cooking? Can i soak it for a couple of hours or shall i soak it over night??
Hala says
A heavenly recipe that tastes just like Mom’s
Celine says
OMG! Lama! this turned out so delicious! I was scared to do it but you made it so easy. Thank you!
Lama says
Yay!! So glad you enjoyed this delicious dish!