Heart Healthy Chicken Thighs with Farro

This chicken thighs recipe can easily fit into a heart healthy diet. The dish is low in saturated fat, with only 2g per serving, and there is just 9g of total fat. There’s also 8g of heart-healthy fiber per serving, thanks to the farro, which is a whole grain that contains fiber, protein and other healthy nutrients. At just 441 calories per serving and with 48g of protein, one serving will fill you up and keep you satisfied for hours, making this a low calorie chicken dish that won’t leave you feeling hungry. If you’re watching your sodium, this recipe is a bit higher than most on Health eCooks, so you may want to eat it alongside very low-sodium foods.

Farro offers numerous health benefits. It’s rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety. It’s a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy and helping to regulate blood sugar levels. The whole grain also contains protein, which supports muscle health and helps maintain a feeling of fullness. And it contains other important nutrients, like magnesium, iron, zinc and B vitamins.

Since farro is a type of wheat, it is not gluten-free. However, it is easy to make this a gluten-free chicken recipe by substituting the farro for another gluten-free grain, such as quinoa or brown rice if you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Just check that your chicken stock is gluten free, if necessary.

This is among our favorite chicken and farro recipes. But what we love about this healthy chicken dish is that it’s customizable depending on your palate and dietary needs. You can use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for a lower fat option. To make it vegetarian-friendly, swap the chicken stock with low-sodium vegetable broth and replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also change up the vegetables in the dish based on personal preference or seasonal availability, such as adding spinach or kale for added nutrients. If you’re not in the mood for farro, use quinoa, barley, bulgur or brown rice instead.