Chicken with Kale and Freekeh-Lentil Pilaf

A wholesome and flavorful dish combining succulent chicken cutlets with wilted kale and a hearty freekeh-lentil pilaf, dressed in a aromatic cumin-sherry vinaigrette. This nutritious meal features a delightful blend of textures and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

4 servings
38 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
  • ½ cup Sherry vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Hunza raisins
  • 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • pounds chicken breasts
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 pound kale
  • 1 cup freekeh
  • 1 cup lentils

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Stir cumin in a small dry skillet over medium heat until toasted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add vinegar and garlic. Let stand for 30 seconds. Transfer to a blender; add oil and next 3 ingredients. Purée. Season with salt.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt. Working in 2 batches and adding 1 tablespoon oil between batches, cook chicken in single layers until browned on both sides and just cooked through, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

    12 min

  3. 3.

    Remove pan from heat; add 1/4 cup water. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Whisk in 1/4 cup vinaigrette. Scrape sauce into a bowl.

    3 min

  4. 4.

    Melt butter with 1 tablespoon oil in same skillet over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until just beginning to brown, 1-2 minutes. Discard garlic. Working in 3 batches and adding more oil as needed, add kale to skillet and toss until wilted, 1-2 minutes per batch. Transfer to a large bowl. Season lightly with salt. Cover to keep warm.

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Add freekeh and lentils to same skillet. Increase heat; stir until warm, 2-3 minutes.

    3 min

  6. 6.

    Spoon pilaf onto plates. Top with chicken. Whisk juices from plate with chicken into sauce; drizzle over chicken and pilaf. Top with kale.

    5 min

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