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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Fregola with Chicken, Chard and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

4 Servings

35 minutes

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Fregola is a small, round pasta from Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean Sea. The pasta, a near relative of couscous, is made with semolina flour and water, but is oven toasted, giving it a nutty flavor and a resilient chewiness. This warming, stew-like recipe pairs fregola with tender chicken thighs and earthy chard. We love the color rainbow chard lends to the dish, but any variety works. Sun-dried tomatoes provide an umami-rich backbone, while white wine adds light, crisp notes. If fregola is not available, pearl couscous is a decent stand-in, but it softens more quickly, so after adding the broth and bringing to a simmer, plan to cook for only six to eight minutes before adding the chard leaves.

4

Servings

35 minutes

Ingredients

  • ¼

    cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more to serve

  • 1

    medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Directions

Reviews
ERICA T.
October 27, 2025
So good for fall!
It’s late October in New Hampshire and our chard is still going strong in the garden. This was a great use of chard, and was warm and comforting for a chilly evening. I actually added closer to 1. 5 cups of broth, but may have had a heavier hand with the Fregola. A little squeeze of lemon juice at the end was a nice note. Rich and hearty without being overly heavy. Served with crusty bread.
Karen H.
June 6, 2024
Excellent!
I had no trouble with the liquid and the texture of the Fregola. It was outstanding so much that the next day I snacked on it cold straight from the fridge!
Melissa S.
July 18, 2023
Very good! Swap out collard greens and doubled veggies
I threw in handfulls of collard greens minus the stalks, the garlic and the sun drieds into the food processor. My fam prefers the greens finely chopped and this worked well! I doubled the carrot and added celery. I did use the wine but frankly couldn't tell although maybe I'm getting older and the taste buds aren't as sensitive.
Diana B.
July 31, 2025
Adaptable!
This is a great starting point to use fregola and my farm share veggies. I used zucchini instead of carrots and skipped the chard. I added a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little spice and parsley to top it off. I used a generous cup of fregola and still didn't need all of the broth. Used a little over 3 cups.
Peter F.
February 25, 2025
Also soupy
This had a great flavor, but like other reviews, mine came out soupy. The fregola would have been entirely overcooked if I’d boiled it down all the way. Maybe try 3 cups of broth next time.

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