One Pot Chicken Bulgur Recipe
One-pot chicken bulgur – the perfect meal for a midweek dinner when you are not in the mood to cook. All you need is chicken, bulgur, veggies, and under 30 minutes to have a delicious and nutritious meal.
ONE POT CHICKEN BULGUR
We all know how sometimes, during busy weeks, we don’t have the time or passion to cook. This one pot chicken bulgur recipe is the perfect solution for those hectic days. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and requires minimal cleanup. The combination of tender ground chicken, hearty bulgur, and a medley of vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just one pot. Not only does it save you time in the kitchen, but it’s also a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have a wholesome dish ready for the days ahead.
IN THIS RECIPE YOU’LL FIND
INGREDIENTS FOR ONE POT CHICKEN BULGUR
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing together a flavorful and balanced dish:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables, adding a rich, healthy fat to the dish.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean source of protein, which can be substituted with bite-size pieces of chicken breast if preferred.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the dish.
- Bell Pepper: Brings a mild sweetness and vibrant color.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch.
- Zucchini: Provides a tender texture and a mild flavor.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and flavor.
- Bulgur: A nutritious whole grain that absorbs the flavors of the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness.
- Turmeric: Offers a warm, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color.
- Cumin: Adds a deep, smoky flavor.
- Boiling Water/Chicken Stock: Cooks the bulgur and infuses it with flavor.
- Parsley/Coriander: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the dish.
WHAT IS BULGUR
Bulgur is a type of whole grain made from cracked wheat. It’s a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine and is known for its quick cooking time and versatility. Bulgur is a nutrient-dense grain, high in fiber and protein, making it a healthy addition to various recipes. Its mildly nutty flavor and chewy texture make it a perfect ingredient for many dishes, including these bulgur recipe ideas like salads, pilafs, and this one pot chicken and bulgur recipe.
HOW TO COOK BULGUR
Cooking bulgur is simple and quick. Here’s a basic method to prepare bulgur:
- Measure and Rinse: Measure out the bulgur needed for your recipe and rinse it under cold water.
- Boil Water/Stock: Bring water or chicken stock to a boil. The ratio is usually 1 cup of bulgur to 2 cups of liquid.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the bulgur to the boiling liquid, stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the bulgur is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Fluff the cooked bulgur with a fork and serve it as desired.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST ONE POT CHICKEN BULGUR
To ensure your one pot chicken bulgur turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Properly Cook the Chicken: Make sure to cook the ground chicken thoroughly until it’s no longer pink. If using chicken breast, ensure the pieces are cooked through but still juicy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Sautéing the onion, bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini adds depth of flavor and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the spices. Turmeric and cumin add a wonderful warmth and depth to the dish.
- Monitor the Liquid: If the bulgur absorbs the liquid too quickly, add a bit more boiling water or chicken stock to keep it from drying out.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish rest for a few minutes with the lid on. This helps the flavors meld together.
Properly Cook the Chicken
Sauté the Vegetables
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large Pan or Pot with Lid
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
- Cutting Board
hese essential tools will help you create the perfect tiramisu cupcakes with ease and precision. Happy baking! You probably have most of the required equipment at home, but if you want to upgrade your kitchen, I recommend reading these articles:
*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links.
MORE ONE POT RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- One Pot Mac and Cheese: This creamy and comforting mac and cheese is made entirely in one pot, reducing cleanup time while delivering a rich and cheesy meal that both kids and adults will love. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. One Pot
- Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A simple yet delicious dish where pasta is cooked directly in a flavorful tomato sauce. This one pot pasta absorbs all the savory goodness, making it a perfect choice for a hassle-free meal that’s ready in no time.
- Lentil Curry: This hearty lentil curry is packed with protein and spices, creating a warm and satisfying meal. Made in one pot, it’s an excellent vegetarian option that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare.
- One Pan Chicken on a Stovetop: Juicy chicken cooked to perfection with a variety of vegetables, all in one pan on your stovetop. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
These one pot recipes are designed to make your cooking experience easier and more enjoyable, offering a variety of flavors and ingredients that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
One Pot Chicken Bulgur Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil divided
- 1 lb. 450g Ground chicken
- Salt to taste
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1 Bell pepper diced
- 1 Carrot diced
- 1 Zucchini diced
- 2-3 Garlic cloves crushed
- 1¼ cup 250g Bulgur, washed
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 2½ cups 600ml Boiling water/chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons Parsley/coriander chopped
Instructions
- DIRECTIONS
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan, add ground chicken (note: you also can use bite size pieces chicken breast), season with salt and cook, breaking it apart until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- To the same pan add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes. Add diced zucchini, diced carrot, diced bell pepper and cook for about 7-8 minutes. Add more olive oil if needed.
- When vegetables are cooked, add cooked chicken, season with turmeric, cumin, black pepper and salt. Mix well. Add washed bulgur and water.
- Bring to a boil, cover the pan with a lid and cook for 10-15 minutes.
- Sprinkle some chopped herbs and serve!
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
- What is bulgur and how is it different from quinoa?
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Can I freeze this dish?
- What can I substitute for bulgur?
- Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of ground chicken. Simply cut the chicken breast into bite-size pieces and cook them as instructed in the recipe. The cooking time for the chicken breast may be slightly longer, so ensure the pieces are cooked through before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.What is bulgur and how is it different from quinoa?
Bulgur is a type of whole grain made from cracked wheat. It has a mildly nutty flavor and a chewy texture. Quinoa, on the other hand, is a seed that is often used as a grain. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a fluffy texture when cooked. Both are nutritious, but bulgur is higher in fiber, while quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan. Substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for cooking the bulgur. Ensure that any added ingredients like seasonings or sauces are vegan-friendly.How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to prevent drying out.Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.What can I substitute for bulgur?
If you don't have bulgur, you can substitute it with other grains like quinoa, couscous, or even rice. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid ratios may vary, so adjust accordingly. For example, quinoa usually requires a 1:2 ratio of grain to liquid and cooks in about 15 minutes.Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, peas, or tomatoes. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times for any added vegetables to ensure they are cooked to your liking.How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to this dish, you can include chopped fresh chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce when cooking the vegetables. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken and vegetables.Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this one pot chicken and bulgur recipe is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be portioned out into individual servings for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. It can also be frozen in individual portions for even longer storage.Can I use water instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use water instead of chicken stock, but keep in mind that using chicken stock adds extra flavor to the dish. If you use water, you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a bouillon cube to enhance the flavor. Vegetable stock is another good alternative if you're looking for a non-meat option.
This recipe sound so good! We love bulgar and as a child, I was brought up on it. In your opinion, do you think ground beef would also work with this recipe? Thank you!
Yes, ground beef could work nicely here.