Introduction
If you’re looking for a healthy dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a busy weeknight, this Pesto Chicken Farro Bowl is about to become your new favorite meal. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, nutty farro, vibrant basil pesto, crisp veggies, and creamy toppings that come together in one colorful bowl.
What makes this recipe a winner is the balance of flavors and textures. The farro gives the bowl a hearty, chewy bite, the pesto adds bold herby richness, and the chicken keeps it satisfying and protein-packed. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep and easy to customize with whatever veggies you have in the fridge.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, prep lunches for the week, or simply want a fresh and filling dinner, this bowl checks every box.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Farro
- 1 cup uncooked pearled farro
3 cups chicken broth or water
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Basil Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
2 garlic cloves
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Recommended Brands
- Parmesan: BelGioioso or Parmigiano Reggiano
- Olive Oil: California Olive Ranch
- Farro: Bob’s Red Mill or Trader Joe’s
Bowl Toppings
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1 avocado, sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 cups baby spinach or arugula
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Lemon wedges for serving
Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
Before starting, gather these kitchen essentials:
Tools
Appliances & Cookware
- Medium saucepan (for farro)
Large skillet or grill pan (for chicken)
Food processor or blender (for pesto)
Tongs
Serving bowl
Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. This helps them develop a nice golden crust.
In a small bowl, mix:
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Rinse the Farro
Place the farro in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds.
This removes excess starch and helps improve texture.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
Prepare all toppings ahead of time:
- Halve the cherry tomatoes
- Dice the cucumber
- Slice the avocado
- Thinly slice the red onion
Store them in separate bowls for easy assembly later.
Step 4: Make the Pesto
Add basil, parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
Pulse a few times.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tip: If the pesto feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or olive oil.
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Farro
In a medium saucepan, combine:
- 1 cup farro
- 3 cups chicken broth or water
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until tender but still chewy.
Drain any excess liquid and let it cool slightly.
Secret Tip
Cooking farro in chicken broth instead of water gives it a deeper savory flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the chicken for about:
- 5–6 minutes per side
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C)
Once cooked, transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Secret Tip
Don’t slice the chicken immediately. Resting keeps it juicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Divide spinach or arugula between serving bowls.
Add:
- Cooked farro
- Sliced chicken
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Red onion
Drizzle generously with pesto.
Top with feta cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is best served slightly warm or at room temperature.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
- Cracked black pepper
- Chili flakes for heat
What to Serve on the Side
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Lemon sparkling water
- Simple tomato soup
- Grilled asparagus
For entertaining, serve the ingredients buffet-style so everyone can build their own bowl.
Additional Tips & Variations
Make It Meal Prep Friendly
Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Assemble fresh before eating for the best texture.
Add More Protein
Try adding:
- Grilled shrimp
- Salmon
- Chickpeas
- White beans
Make It Vegetarian
Swap the chicken for:
- Crispy tofu
- Roasted chickpeas
- Grilled mushrooms
Lower Carb Option
Replace half the farro with cauliflower rice.
Flavor Boosters
Want even more flavor?
- Add sun-dried tomatoes
- Use burrata cheese
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 610mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQ Section
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store each ingredient separately and assemble before serving.
What does farro taste like?
Farro has a nutty, slightly chewy texture similar to brown rice or barley, but with more flavor and bite.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Store-bought pesto saves time and still tastes delicious. Refrigerated pesto usually has the freshest flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze this recipe?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and farro, but fresh vegetables and avocado are best added fresh after thawing.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes. This bowl is packed with lean protein, fiber, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
Wrap-Up
This Pesto Chicken Farro Bowl is one of those meals that feels both comforting and fresh at the same time. It’s colorful, filling, and packed with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors that make healthy eating genuinely exciting.
One fun fact about farro: it’s an ancient grain that has been enjoyed for thousands of years and was once a staple food in Ancient Rome. No wonder it’s still popular today — it’s nutritious, hearty, and incredibly delicious.
Whether you’re making this for meal prep, a family dinner, or a quick healthy lunch, this bowl delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it ends up in your weekly rotation.
