As the colder months roll in and daylight hours shorten, our energy levels often dip. The last thing anyone wants after a long day is a complicated dinner. That’s why this Sun-dried Tomato Farro Chicken Bake is a perfect solution. It’s not only effortless to prepare but also warms you from the inside out, providing essential nutrients and sustained energy needed during chilly evenings.

If you’re new to farro, prepare to be delighted! This ancient grain offers a unique chewy, hearty texture and a subtle, nutty flavor that makes it a fantastic addition to any meal. Beyond its delicious taste, farro is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in fiber and protein, making this chicken bake incredibly wholesome and satisfying. Its ability to absorb the rich flavors of the dish truly makes it shine. We frequently incorporate this versatile grain into various recipes, such as our Mediterranean Farro Salad, an Easy Farro Salad, a comforting Smoky Kale Chickpea Farro Soup, and a vibrant Farro Roasted Beet Arugula Salad.

Embracing the simplicity of one-pan cooking, this recipe transforms traditional chicken and rice into a cozy, winter-inspired sensation. You’ll particularly appreciate the succulence of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, generously rubbed with a fragrant mixture of olive oil, earthy oregano, and sweet paprika. This flavorful rub sets the stage for a truly exquisite meal.

The seasoned chicken harmonizes beautifully with the earthy farro, which patiently soaks up all the delightful flavors of the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and other ingredients as it bakes. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives introduce a burst of Mediterranean essence, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch. Baked until all components meld into a rich, cohesive dish, every bite is a journey of deliciousness. If olives aren’t your preference, they can easily be omitted without compromising the dish’s incredible flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Modify This Flavorful Chicken Recipe

One of the beauties of this Sun-dried Tomato Farro Chicken Bake is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Chicken Variations: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking, you can easily substitute them with other cuts. Chicken thighs, whole chicken legs, or drumsticks will add even more richness and flavor. Remember to adjust your cooking times to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
• Boost Your Veggies: Elevate the nutritional content and flavor profile by incorporating additional vegetables. Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), cubed eggplant, zucchini, or even roasted butternut squash are excellent additions that bake beautifully alongside the chicken and farro.
• Cheese Choices: Feta cheese brings a unique salty and tangy punch that truly defines this dish. Goat cheese is another fantastic option, offering a creamy, slightly tart flavor. For a milder, savory alternative, consider freshly grated Parmesan or creamy mozzarella cheese.
• Grain Alternatives: Farro provides a wonderful chewy texture and nutty taste, but if you’re looking for different grains, brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur can also be used. Each will impart a slightly different texture and flavor, so choose what best suits your palate. Note that cooking times for different grains may vary slightly.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Flavor: Place a Dutch oven or a large, oven-safe skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot, allowing it to shimmer slightly. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step locks in the juices and builds a deep, savory flavor. Remove the browned chicken and set it aside on a plate for a moment.

Step 3: Assemble the Bake: Using the same Dutch oven, which now holds all the delicious browned bits from the chicken, add the rinsed and drained farro along with the chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Next, layer in the minced garlic, diced red onion, fresh spinach, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and pitted Kalamata olives. Gently nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of this colorful mixture. Squeeze the juice from half a lemon over everything for a bright, zesty note. For an extra touch of aroma and visual appeal, you can also add a few lemon slices (this is optional). Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables.

Absolutely! Sun-dried tomatoes are a fantastic ingredient for cooking, offering an intense, concentrated burst of sweet and savory tomato flavor that can elevate many dishes. We love using them in recipes like our Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts, Pesto Pasta with Green Beans and Sun-dried Tomatoes, and this creamy Mozzarella Chicken Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes.
For this chicken bake, we recommend using sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil. Simply drain them well and slice them before adding. The oil they are packed in also carries a lot of flavor, which you can sometimes incorporate into your cooking. If you happen to have dry sun-dried tomatoes, they will need to be re-hydrated first. You can do this by soaking them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they plump up. However, for this specific recipe, the chicken broth during the baking process will naturally re-hydrate them, so pre-soaking isn’t strictly necessary.

Once a jar of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil has been opened, they can be safely stored in the refrigerator for an impressive period of up to 6 months. To ensure their longevity and prevent spoilage, always make sure the tomatoes are completely submerged in olive oil. If they aren’t, simply add a little extra olive oil to the jar to cover them fully before sealing and refrigerating.

Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, this recipe is incredibly flexible. Chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even a mix of cuts will work wonderfully. The key is to remember that different cuts of chicken have varying cooking times. Thighs might require a few extra minutes, while smaller pieces might cook faster. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.

Farro is an ancient whole grain with a rich history, dating back thousands of years. It’s often described as having a nutty flavor and a satisfying, chewy texture, similar to barley but with a unique character. In this dish, farro is an excellent choice because it not only adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables but also readily absorbs the savory chicken broth and aromatic spices as it bakes. This absorption infuses the farro with incredible flavor, making it an integral and delicious part of the meal. Furthermore, farro is highly nutritious, packed with fiber, protein, and various minerals, contributing to a truly healthy and wholesome meal.

Yes, you can certainly do some prep work in advance to make cooking day even easier! You can prepare the spice rub for the chicken and even rub the chicken breasts, storing them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also chop the red onion and mince the garlic a day ahead. The sun-dried tomatoes can be drained and sliced, and olives pitted. Having these components ready will significantly cut down on active cooking time when you’re ready to bake, making this already easy one-pan meal even more convenient.