This Heart Healthy Chicken Thighs with Farro is as delicious as it is nutritious, offering the perfect solution when you are searching for simple chicken and farro recipes. It’s a convenient one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken with hearty farro and a vibrant Mediterranean vegetable medley, making weeknight dinners both wholesome and stress-free.
Blended with savory herbs, minced garlic, and the bright tang of apple cider vinegar, every bite bursts with flavor. Whether you are managing your diet or just looking for a balanced high-protein meal, this heart-healthy recipe for chicken thighs will quickly become a family favorite.
Treat your heart to even more savory goodness by exploring all of our delicious and heart healthy chicken recipes!
This one-pan dinner is a wonderful example of Mediterranean-inspired eating, combining high-quality protein with fiber-rich whole grains. By using wholesome ingredients and a nutrient-dense vegetable medley, it delivers lasting energy and fits seamlessly into a balanced, heart-conscious lifestyle.
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Yes! While chicken thighs have a bit more fat than breasts, they can absolutely fit into a balanced, heart-healthy diet. The key is sensible portion sizes, preparing them without heavy breading or deep frying, and pairing them with fiber-rich whole grains like farro and plenty of vegetables.
Chicken thighs can be included in a cholesterol-conscious diet when enjoyed in moderation. Focus on the overall balance of your plate by incorporating heart-healthy fats (like the olive oil in this recipe) and ample dietary fiber from ingredients like vegetables and farro.
The healthiest preparation methods involve baking, grilling, or simmering the chicken—as done in this one-pan recipe—rather than deep-frying. Using minimal added saturated fat and relying on herbs, garlic, and vinegar for flavor keeps the dish nutritious and delicious.
If you loved the robust, wholesome flavors of our chicken and farro, explore these other easy, heart healthy chicken dinners that make nutritious weeknight cooking a breeze.
For days when you are craving a cozy, nourishing bowl instead of a skillet meal, try one of these comforting soups and stews with chicken that are packed with heart-healthy ingredients.
Recipe yields 6 servings
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, vinegar, black pepper, 1 tsp of the thyme and 1/4 tsp of the salt. Marinate, covered and chilled, for 20 minutes.
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, in batches, and cook until well browned on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add onion, bell pepper and garlic and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the cumin, remaining 1 tsp thyme and remaining 3/4 tsp salt. Add chicken stock, farro and tomatoes. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
Add the chicken thighs. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer until chicken is done, about 30 minutes, or until farro is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in peas and cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
Because this is a hearty one-pan meal, it doesn't need much on the side! A crisp, green side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette pairs perfectly. You might also enjoy it alongside a slice of crusty whole-wheat bread to soak up any remaining savory broth.
If you don't have farro, you can substitute it with brown rice, quinoa, or barley. Note that cooking times may vary.
You can easily swap in chicken breasts if you prefer, just be careful not to overcook them since they dry out faster than thighs.
Feel free to swap the green peas or bell peppers for what you have on hand, like chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini.
Chicken thighs are a juicy cut of meat that add flavor to any dish without much fat. Want some other heart healthy chicken thigh recipes? Try this Chicken Thighs with Apples for a sweet and savory dish or our crispy, crunchy Bang Bang Chicken. It’s a popular chicken appetizer recipe that will score big at any party.