RecipeAI
DashboardDiscoverMeal PlanGroceriesCreateImportRecipe Box
BlogSign InGet Started
Dashboard
Plan
Nutrition
Create
Groceries
Saved
Profile
RecipeAI LogoRecipeAI

AI-powered recipes, meal plans, and nutrition tracking — personalized to your tastes and goals.

Explore

  • Discover Recipes
  • Categories
  • World Cuisines
  • Diets
  • Quick Meals
  • Meal Plans by Diet
  • Kitchen Conversions
  • Calories in Foods

Features

  • AI Recipe Generator
  • Meal Planning
  • Nutrition Tracker
  • Macro Calculator
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Food Diary
  • Recipe Import
  • Pricing

Resources

  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Feedback

© 2026 RecipeAI. All rights reserved.

Cook smarter, eat better.

More recipes like this

  • Grilled Chicken & Roasted Pepper Spinach Salad with Cold Parmesan Pasta Salad
  • Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Shawarma on Gluten-Free Flatbread with Charred Pepper & Feta Salad
  • Grilled Lemon‑Herb Chicken over Spring Vegetable Quinoa Salad
  • Lemon‑Herb Grilled Chicken & Charred Brussels Rice Bowl
  • Grilled Lemon‑Herb Steelhead Trout with Toasted Israeli (Pearl) Couscous, Charred Fennel & Wilted Kale
  • Grilled Lemon‑Herb Chicken Sandwich on Rustic Sourdough with Winter Red‑Cabbage Slaw
  • Browse all recipes →
Lemon‑Herb Grilled Chicken with Farro, Fennel & Orange‑Red Pepper Relish

Lemon‑Herb Grilled Chicken with Farro, Fennel & Orange‑Red Pepper Relish

By emensah m

MediterraneanIntermediate

Tender, lemony grilled chicken breasts rest on a bed of nutty cooked farro, topped with a bright, crunchy relish of thinly sliced fennel, sweet orange bell pepper and briny olives. The dish balances smoky char, fresh citrus, and herbaceous parsley + dill for a clean Mediterranean flavor — a restaurant-quality plate that's surprisingly easy at home.

Prep: 25 minutes (includes 20-minute quick marinade)
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
4 servings
Main courseMediterraneanGrilledQuick weeknight

Ingredients

  • 600 g Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups Cooked farro
  • 1 bulb Fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve feathery fronds)
  • 2 medium Orange bell pepper, diced
  • 4 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons Extra‑virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons (divided) Salt
  • 1 teaspoon (divided) Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons Optional: Olives, sliced (Kalamata or Castelvetrano)
  • 1 teaspoon Optional: Honey or a pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)

Instructions

1

Prep the chicken: Pat the 600 g chicken breasts dry with paper towels and — if they are uneven in thickness — butterfly or gently pound to an even thickness (about 1¼ inches). Doing this ensures even cooking: thinner edges won't dry out before the center reaches a safe temperature.

2

Make the lemon‑herb marinade: In a bowl whisk together 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon (of the 4 tbsp) chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped dill. The oil and acid create a quick marinade that flavors and slightly tenderizes the surface without making the meat mealy — because the marinade time will be short.

3

Marinate the chicken for 15–25 minutes at room temperature (no longer than 30 minutes). Lemon juice begins to 'cook' and firm proteins if left too long; a short marinade gives bright citrus flavor without compromising texture. If you must prepare ahead, refrigerate up to 2 hours, but bring to room temperature 20 minutes before grilling.

4

While the chicken marinates, build the fennel & orange‑red pepper relish: Trim and very thinly slice the 1 fennel bulb (reserve a few fronds for garnish). Dice the 2 orange bell peppers into small, even pieces. In a bowl combine the fennel, diced pepper, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, the remaining parsley and dill, optional sliced olives, and optional 1 teaspoon honey (if using). Toss and let rest 10–15 minutes so the lemon and oil soften the fennel slightly and marry the flavors. Letting the relish sit briefly mellows the raw edge and brightens sweetness from the pepper.

5

Warm and season the farro: Put 3 cups cooked farro in a wide skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt. Heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until warm and a few grains begin to slightly toast; this step revives cooked grain and deepens its nutty flavor. Finish with a small squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon of chopped parsley for brightness. Keep warm.

6

Heat grill or heavy skillet: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium‑high (about 400°F / 200°C surface) or heat a heavy cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high until smoking lightly. A hot cooking surface gives a quick Maillard sear that adds flavor and attractive grill marks.

7

Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off (discard used marinade). Oil the grill grates or skillet lightly. Sear the breasts 4–6 minutes per side (time varies with thickness) without moving them so a crust forms — this seals flavor. Use an instant‑read thermometer to check doneness: target 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. If the exterior is browning too quickly, move the chicken to a slightly cooler part of the grill or reduce skillet heat and finish more gently.

8

Rest and slice the chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5–8 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute instead of running out when cut, keeping the meat moist.

9

Assemble the plates: Spoon a generous 3/4 cup warm farro per person onto plates. Top with a mound of the fennel & orange‑red pepper relish, then fan sliced grilled chicken over the relish. Drizzle any pan juices or a tablespoon of extra‑virgin olive oil over the chicken and finish with reserved fennel fronds and a sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley.

10

Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as needed at the table. Serve warm — the contrast between warm farro and chilled‑tinged relish is part of the appeal.

Chef's Tips

  • 1Even thickness = even cooking. Pound or butterfly thicker breasts so the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
  • 2Don't over‑marinate in acid. Because lemon juice denatures proteins, limit to 30 minutes for best texture; longer marinades thin and 'cook' the surface.
  • 3Use an instant‑read thermometer. Visual cues are helpful, but temperature (74°C / 165°F) is the safest and most reliable way to know chicken is done without overcooking.
  • 4If you don't have a grill, a hot cast‑iron skillet or grill pan will still produce a great sear — press down lightly for the first 20 seconds for better contact.
  • 5Toast the farro briefly in oil to refresh texture and develop nuttiness — it makes previously cooked grains taste freshly prepared.

Variations

  • Salmon or swordfish instead of chicken: Grill 180–220 g portions for 3–4 minutes per side for a quick seafood version; finish with the same relish.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas and use vegetable broth to warm the farro.
  • Grain substitutions: Use cooked farro, barley, brown rice, or quinoa (adjust liquid and cooking times when making from dry).
  • Add feta or toasted almonds for extra richness and texture; swap olives for capers if you like a sharper briny note.

Nutrition per Serving

644

Calories

53g

Protein

42g

Carbs

28g

Fat

8g

Fiber

Rate this Recipe

How did this recipe turn out? Let others know!

to rate this recipe

Lemon‑Herb Grilled Chicken with Farro, Fennel & Orange‑Red Pepper Relish

By emensah m

Main courseMediterraneanGrilledQuick weeknight
Lemon‑Herb Grilled Chicken with Farro, Fennel & Orange‑Red Pepper Relish - Boneless skinless chicken breasts, Cooked farro recipe

Tender, lemony grilled chicken breasts rest on a bed of nutty cooked farro, topped with a bright, crunchy relish of thinly sliced fennel, sweet orange bell pepper and briny olives. The dish balances smoky char, fresh citrus, and herbaceous parsley + dill for a clean Mediterranean flavor — a restaurant-quality plate that's surprisingly easy at home.

MediterraneanIntermediate4 servings
Prep: 25 minutes (includes 20-minute quick marinade)
Cook: 20 minutes
45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 600 g Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups Cooked farro
  • 1 bulb Fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve feathery fronds)
  • 2 medium Orange bell pepper, diced
  • 4 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
  • 6 tablespoons Extra‑virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons (divided) Salt
  • 1 teaspoon (divided) Freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons Optional: Olives, sliced (Kalamata or Castelvetrano)
  • 1 teaspoon Optional: Honey or a pinch of sugar (to balance acidity)

Instructions

1

Prep the chicken: Pat the 600 g chicken breasts dry with paper towels and — if they are uneven in thickness — butterfly or gently pound to an even thickness (about 1¼ inches). Doing this ensures even cooking: thinner edges won't dry out before the center reaches a safe temperature.

2

Make the lemon‑herb marinade: In a bowl whisk together 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon (of the 4 tbsp) chopped parsley and 1 tablespoon chopped dill. The oil and acid create a quick marinade that flavors and slightly tenderizes the surface without making the meat mealy — because the marinade time will be short.

3

Marinate the chicken for 15–25 minutes at room temperature (no longer than 30 minutes). Lemon juice begins to 'cook' and firm proteins if left too long; a short marinade gives bright citrus flavor without compromising texture. If you must prepare ahead, refrigerate up to 2 hours, but bring to room temperature 20 minutes before grilling.

4

While the chicken marinates, build the fennel & orange‑red pepper relish: Trim and very thinly slice the 1 fennel bulb (reserve a few fronds for garnish). Dice the 2 orange bell peppers into small, even pieces. In a bowl combine the fennel, diced pepper, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, the remaining 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, the remaining parsley and dill, optional sliced olives, and optional 1 teaspoon honey (if using). Toss and let rest 10–15 minutes so the lemon and oil soften the fennel slightly and marry the flavors. Letting the relish sit briefly mellows the raw edge and brightens sweetness from the pepper.

5

Warm and season the farro: Put 3 cups cooked farro in a wide skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of salt. Heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until warm and a few grains begin to slightly toast; this step revives cooked grain and deepens its nutty flavor. Finish with a small squeeze of lemon and a tablespoon of chopped parsley for brightness. Keep warm.

6

Heat grill or heavy skillet: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium‑high (about 400°F / 200°C surface) or heat a heavy cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high until smoking lightly. A hot cooking surface gives a quick Maillard sear that adds flavor and attractive grill marks.

7

Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off (discard used marinade). Oil the grill grates or skillet lightly. Sear the breasts 4–6 minutes per side (time varies with thickness) without moving them so a crust forms — this seals flavor. Use an instant‑read thermometer to check doneness: target 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. If the exterior is browning too quickly, move the chicken to a slightly cooler part of the grill or reduce skillet heat and finish more gently.

8

Rest and slice the chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5–8 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute instead of running out when cut, keeping the meat moist.

9

Assemble the plates: Spoon a generous 3/4 cup warm farro per person onto plates. Top with a mound of the fennel & orange‑red pepper relish, then fan sliced grilled chicken over the relish. Drizzle any pan juices or a tablespoon of extra‑virgin olive oil over the chicken and finish with reserved fennel fronds and a sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley.

10

Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon as needed at the table. Serve warm — the contrast between warm farro and chilled‑tinged relish is part of the appeal.

Chef's Tips

  • 1Even thickness = even cooking. Pound or butterfly thicker breasts so the chicken cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.
  • 2Don't over‑marinate in acid. Because lemon juice denatures proteins, limit to 30 minutes for best texture; longer marinades thin and 'cook' the surface.
  • 3Use an instant‑read thermometer. Visual cues are helpful, but temperature (74°C / 165°F) is the safest and most reliable way to know chicken is done without overcooking.
  • 4If you don't have a grill, a hot cast‑iron skillet or grill pan will still produce a great sear — press down lightly for the first 20 seconds for better contact.
  • 5Toast the farro briefly in oil to refresh texture and develop nuttiness — it makes previously cooked grains taste freshly prepared.

Variations

  • Salmon or swordfish instead of chicken: Grill 180–220 g portions for 3–4 minutes per side for a quick seafood version; finish with the same relish.
  • Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas and use vegetable broth to warm the farro.
  • Grain substitutions: Use cooked farro, barley, brown rice, or quinoa (adjust liquid and cooking times when making from dry).
  • Add feta or toasted almonds for extra richness and texture; swap olives for capers if you like a sharper briny note.

Nutrition per Serving

644

Calories

53g

Protein

42g

Carbs

28g

Fat

8g

Fiber

Rate this Recipe

Your Rating:

Explore More

🌍 Mediterranean Recipes🥘 More with Boneless skinless chicken breasts🥘 More with Cooked farro🥘 More with Fennel bulb, thinly sliced (reserve feathery fronds)

Similar Recipes