Name: Instant Pot Chicken and Spiced Freekeh with Cilantro and Preserved Lemon
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , plus extra for drizzling; 1 onion, chopped fine; 4 garlic cloves , minced; 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2¼ cups chicken broth; 1½ cups cracked freekeh , rinsed; 2 (12-ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts , halved crosswise and trimmed; ½ teaspoon table salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds , toasted; ½ preserved lemon , pulp and white pith removed, rind rinsed and minced (2 tablespoons)

Instant Pot Chicken and Spiced Freekeh with Cilantro and Preserved Lemon

By Russell Selander

Published on May 18, 2022

Time

1 hour

Yield

Serves 4

Instant Pot Chicken and Spiced Freekeh with Cilantro and Preserved Lemon

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling1 onion, chopped fine 4 garlic cloves, minced1½ teaspoons smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes 2¼ cups chicken broth 1½ cups cracked freekeh, rinsed2 (12-ounce) bone-in split chicken breasts, halved crosswise and trimmed½ teaspoon table salt ¼ teaspoon pepper ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted½ preserved lemon, pulp and white pith removed, rind rinsed and minced (2 tablespoons)

Before You Begin

You can find freekeh in the grain aisle or natural foods section of most well-stocked supermarkets; it is sometimes spelled frikeh or farik. Do not substitute whole freekeh in this dish, as it requires a different cooking method and will not work in this recipe. We think the fragrant and floral notes of preserved lemon are an important addition to this dish, but if you can't find it you can substitute 1 tablespoon lemon zest or use our Quick Preserved Lemon. Serve with yogurt.

Instructions

Using highest sauté function, heat oil in Instant Pot until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, paprika, cardamom, and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth and freekeh. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Nestle skin side up into freekeh mixture. Lock lid in place and close pressure release valve. Select high pressure cook function and cook for 5 minutes.

Turn off Instant Pot and quick-release pressure. Carefully remove lid, allowing steam to escape away from you. Transfer chicken to serving dish and discard skin, if desired. Tent with aluminum foil and let rest while finishing freekeh.

Gently fluff freekeh with fork. Lay clean dish towel over pot, replace lid, and let sit for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer freekeh to serving dish with chicken and sprinkle with cilantro, sesame seeds, and preserved lemon. Drizzle with extra oil and serve.