Mediterranean Farro Bowl With Chicken

Name: Mediterranean Farro Bowl With Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup farro, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp honey; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Natural Cooking

I absolutely love making this Mediterranean Farro Bowl with Chicken. It’s a vibrant dish that combines wholesome farro with seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the texture of the farro is simply delightful. This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, and I always feel satisfied and nourished after enjoying it. If you’re looking for a healthy yet delicious meal, this is the one to try!

Created by

Miranda Keats

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:56:37.842Z

When I first started experimenting with farro, I quickly realized how versatile it could be. This Mediterranean Farro Bowl with Chicken became an instant favorite in my household. The combination of roasted chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing creates a mouthwatering dish that I crave regularly. I often use leftovers for quick lunches, adding a variety of seasonal produce to keep it exciting.

The secret to perfecting this recipe lies in the farro cooking process. I soak it for about 30 minutes beforehand to achieve that perfect al dente texture. To enhance the flavors, I recommend marinating the chicken in fresh herbs and olive oil for at least an hour before grilling. It makes a world of difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Nutritious farro provides a hearty base.
Perfectly grilled chicken adds fantastic flavor.
Zesty dressing ties everything together beautifully.
It's a colorful, appealing dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Understanding Farro

Farro is an ancient grain that not only holds its structure well but also offers a nutty flavor that enhances any dish. When cooked properly, it should be tender yet have a chewy texture, which is perfect when paired with the grilled chicken and fresh vegetables in this bowl. Make sure to rinse the farro before cooking to remove any impurities and ensure a clean taste. If you want to enhance the flavor further, consider cooking it in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for an added depth.

While this recipe calls for pearled farro, you might come across whole or semi-pearled varieties. Keep in mind that whole farro takes significantly longer to cook (up to 45 minutes) than the pearled kind. If you choose to use whole farro, be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly, and check for doneness—you're aiming for a tender grain that still retains a slight bite.

Grilling Chicken Perfectly

Grilling the chicken breast correctly is crucial in this dish. Ensure that the grill is preheated to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 450°F) to achieve those beautiful grill marks and fragrant smoky flavor. Let the chicken cook undisturbed to avoid sticking, and resist the urge to move it around until it's time to flip. If you notice flare-ups, gently move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill to avoid burning.

After grilling, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time is essential because it helps retain the juices, making each bite succulent. If you cut into the chicken too soon, you may lose those juices and end up with dry pieces. For an additional layer of flavor, consider sprinkling a bit of smoked paprika or lemon zest on the chicken before grilling.

Creative Variations and Storage Tips

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables in this bowl! You can easily switch out the cucumber for avocado or add roasted vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant. These variations can introduce different textures and flavors that complement the dish beautifully. For a bit of heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.

If you plan to make this recipe ahead of time, store the components separately to maintain freshness. The cooked farro and grilled chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The vegetables can be prepped and chopped but added fresh when serving to ensure they stay crisp and vibrant. The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; just give it a good shake or whisk before using to re-emulsify.

Ingredients

For the Bowl

1 cup farro, rinsed
2 cups water
1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cucumber, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing

3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to chop the vegetables while the farro cooks to save time!

Instructions

Cook the Farro

In a medium saucepan, combine the farro and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until tender. Drain excess water and set aside.

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Bowl

In a large serving bowl, combine cooked farro, diced cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to combine.

Serve

Top the farro mixture with sliced grilled chicken. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for meal prep!

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding olives or fresh herbs like parsley or mint to the bowl before serving.

Cooking Tips for the Dressing

The zesty dressing is what elevates this Mediterranean Farro Bowl, so getting it right is key. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, vibrant flavor; bottled lemon juice won't provide the same freshness. If you're a fan of a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can add a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the other flavors.

Make sure to whisk the dressing vigorously until it achieves a glossy, emulsified consistency. This will help the ingredients incorporate fully, ensuring each bite is infused with that zesty goodness. If the dressing separates after sitting, simply whisk it back together before drizzling over the bowl.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're thinking of serving this Mediterranean Farro Bowl for a larger gathering, scaling the recipe is straightforward. For every additional cup of farro, increase the water by two cups and ensure that you have enough chicken to match the number of servings. If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider using a grill with more space or cooking the chicken in batches to maintain the right cooking temperature.

Another pro tip: when scaling up the recipe, prep the ingredients ahead of time. Pre-chop the vegetables and marinate the chicken in advance to save time on the day of your event. This will not only streamline your cooking process but also allow the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken marinates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another grain instead of farro?

Yes, quinoa or barley can also work well in this recipe.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and add more vegetables or chickpeas for protein.

→ Can I prepare this bowl in advance?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and can be eaten cold or reheated.

→ What other dressings work with this bowl?

You can use a tahini or yogurt-based dressing for a different flavor profile.