Save The Lemon Tahini Chicken Power Bowl is a vibrant, nourishing meal that combines juicy roasted chicken with hearty farro, crisp greens, and flavorful chickpeas. Every bite is brought to life with a zesty lemon-tahini sauce, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dish that is both satisfying and energizing.
Save This bowl is perfect for anyone seeking a high-protein diet without sacrificing flavor. The combination of warm roasted elements like spiced chicken and chickpeas against cold cucumber and cherry tomatoes makes for a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Farro: 1 cup farro (uncooked), 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp salt
- Greens & Vegetables: 4 cups mixed baby greens (spinach, arugula, or kale), 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup cucumber, diced, 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt
- Lemon Tahini Sauce: 1/3 cup tahini, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp water (plus more as needed), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 garlic clove, finely minced, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Roast for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Step 3
- In a saucepan, combine farro, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes, until farro is tender. Drain any excess water.
- Step 4
- On a separate sheet pan, toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, and salt. Roast for 15–20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Step 5
- Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add more water for desired consistency.
- Step 6
- To assemble bowls, divide farro among 4 bowls. Top with greens, roasted chicken slices, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Step 7
- Drizzle generously with lemon-tahini sauce. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the juiciest results, ensure you let the chicken rest after roasting before slicing it. When cooking the farro, keep an eye on the texture to ensure it remains slightly chewy rather than mushy. If the tahini sauce is too thick, simply whisk in an extra tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this power bowl gluten-free, substitute the farro with quinoa or brown rice. For those desiring extra richness, add a few slices of fresh avocado or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The mixed greens can be swapped for just spinach or kale depending on your preference.
Serviervorschläge
This Mediterranean-inspired meal pairs excellently with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing glass of iced mint tea. It is ideally served immediately while the roasted chicken and chickpeas are still warm, providing a beautiful contrast to the fresh vegetables.
Save Whether you're prepping meals for the week or serving a fresh family dinner, the Lemon Tahini Chicken Power Bowl is a versatile and delicious choice. Its combination of textures and bright, zesty flavors makes it a recurring favorite for healthy eating.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this bowl in advance?
Yes, all components can be prepared separately 1-2 days ahead. Store cooked chicken, farro, and roasted chickpeas in airtight containers. Keep greens and sauce separate until assembly. Combine just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness of the greens.
- → What grains work best as farro substitutes?
Quinoa, brown rice, or barley work wonderfully. For gluten-free options, try millet, buckwheat, or certified gluten-free oats. Adjust cooking times according to package directions, typically 15-30 minutes depending on the grain chosen.
- → How do I achieve crispy roasted chickpeas?
Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly dried after rinsing. Toss with olive oil, cumin, and salt, then spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. They'll continue crisping as they cool.
- → Can the lemon-tahini sauce be made dairy-free?
This sauce is naturally dairy-free. It uses tahini as the base for creaminess and richness. If avoiding sesame, substitute with sunflower seed butter or almond butter, adjusting lemon juice for balance and brightness.
- → What beverages pair well with this bowl?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc complement the bright lemon notes beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try iced mint tea, herbal infusions, or sparkling lemon water to enhance the fresh, Mediterranean character of the meal.
- → How do I adjust the sauce consistency?
Start with 2 tablespoons water and whisk until smooth. Add water gradually in 1-tablespoon increments to reach desired thickness. For a thicker sauce, reduce water. For a thinner drizzle, add more water or lemon juice to maintain brightness.