Chicken, Rice and Bulgur

Chicken, Rice and Bulgur Recipe - Delicious and Satisfying Meal!

Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

This Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur recipe is a hearty and nutritious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, where bulgur is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The combination of chicken, rice, and bulgur creates a balanced and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare and enjoy.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) chicken -- split breasts or boneless thighs work best
0.5 cup rice
0.5 cup bulgur
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced carrot
0.5 cup diced celery
2 cups chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste
onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika (optional)

How to prepare

In a large microwave-safe casserole with a lid, evenly layer rice and bulgur.
Spread diced vegetables over the rice.
Place chicken on top of the vegetables. If using split breasts, place them with the meaty side down.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and spices to taste over the chicken.
Pour broth over everything.
Cover the casserole with the lid and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the power to medium and cook for an additional 40 minutes.
Remove from the microwave and shred or cut the meat, removing any bones.
Mix well before serving.

Variations

Substitute quinoa or couscous for the bulgur for a different texture and flavor.
Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and extra nutrients.

Notes

This recipe is from the 80s, which is why it is cooked in the microwave. If you wish to use a traditional oven, heat the broth to boiling before adding it. Then place in a 375°F (191°C) oven for about 1 hour (or until fully cooked).

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to evenly layer the rice and bulgur in the casserole dish to ensure even cooking.

- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer for added flavor.

- Be sure to mix well before serving to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Cooking in the microwave is a quick and convenient method for preparing this dish, but you can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of split breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish.

- Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Total calories per serving: approximately 500 calories

Carbohydrates

- Rice: 0.5 cup contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates

- Bulgur: 0.5 cup contains approximately 34 grams of carbohydrates

- Total carbohydrates per serving: approximately 79 grams

Fats

- Chicken: 2 lb contains approximately 60 grams of fat

- Total fats per serving: approximately 15 grams

Proteins

- Chicken: 2 lb contains approximately 200 grams of protein

- Total proteins per serving: approximately 50 grams

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium

- Rice and bulgur are good sources of manganese, magnesium, and fiber

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for individuals with poultry allergies.

Summary

This Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur recipe is a nutritious and delicious meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We lived in a small village nestled in the hills of the Mediterranean, where food was a central part of our culture and traditions.

One day, as I watched my mother prepare our evening meal, she pulled out a faded and tattered cookbook from the shelf. It was filled with recipes from all over the world, each one handwritten with notes and adjustments made over the years. Among the pages, I stumbled upon a recipe for Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur. Intrigued by the combination of ingredients, I asked my mother about it.

She smiled and began to tell me the story of how she had learned the recipe herself. It was many years before, when she was just a young bride, eager to impress her new husband with her cooking skills. She had attended a cooking class in the nearby town, where a kind old woman had shared the recipe with her. The old woman had learned it from her own mother, who had passed it down through generations.

As my mother recounted the story, I could see the passion and love she had for cooking reflected in her eyes. She explained the importance of using fresh ingredients, the proper cooking techniques, and the secret ingredient that set this dish apart from all others. I hung on her every word, eager to learn and carry on this tradition in my own kitchen one day.

After that day, Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur became a staple in our household. My mother would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, and even just on a regular weeknight when she wanted to treat us to something delicious. It quickly became a favorite among our family and friends, who would often request the recipe themselves.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own twist and adjustments to make it my own. I have shared the recipe with my own children, who now make it for their own families. It has become a beloved tradition that connects us to our past and reminds us of the love and care that goes into a homemade meal.

As I stand in my kitchen now, preparing Chicken, Rice, and Bulgur for dinner tonight, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. The aromas of garlic, onions, and spices fill the air, transporting me back to that moment when I first discovered this recipe and fell in love with the art of cooking.

I smile as I stir the pot, knowing that this dish will bring joy and comfort to my loved ones, just as it has for generations before. And as I sit down to enjoy a meal with my family, I am reminded once again of the power of food to connect us, to nourish us, and to bring us together in love and gratitude.