Lemon Chicken With Bulgur
Lemon Chicken with Bulgur offers tender, flavorful chicken paired with fragrant lemon-infused bulgur, perfect for comforting family dinners with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
- 1 skinned chicken, cut into serving pieces ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves pressed garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups bulgur
- 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground coriander ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. lemon rind ⓘ
- Juice of one lemon ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a 4-quart pan, heat olive oil and brown the chicken on all sides.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, brown the chopped onions and pressed garlic.
- Add more oil if needed.
- Add the bulgur to the pan and stir to coat.
- Add ground cardamom, ground coriander, ground cumin, lemon rind, and lemon juice to the bulgur and onion mixture.
- Mix well, then remove the mixture from the pan.
- Arrange the chicken pieces in the bottom of the pan.
- Spoon the bulgur mixture on top of the chicken.
- Pour boiling chicken broth over the chicken and bulgur.
- Cover the pan and bake in a 350°F oven for 60 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute bulgur with quinoa or couscous if preferred. To enhance the dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker preparation. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Chicken With Thyme.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon Chicken With Bulgur with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the flavors. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine for a delightful dining experience. This dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and bulgur mixture in a covered oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Chicken With Bulgur contains roughly 284 calories, with 9g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), iron (64% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken for this recipe. Just be aware that it may release more fat while cooking, which could alter the texture of the bulgur. If you prefer a lighter dish, skinned chicken is the better option.
What can I serve with Lemon Chicken With Bulgur?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad or roasted vegetables. Additionally, a light lemon vinaigrette can enhance the flavors. For a Mediterranean twist, serve with a side of tzatziki sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bulgur mixture a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when you finally cook it. Just ensure to adjust the baking time if starting from cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).