Oven-baked chicken with lemon and bulgur

Oven-Baked Chicken with Lemon and Bulgur - A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-5

Who doesn't love the unmistakable aroma of tender, juicy chicken combined with the freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs? This oven-baked chicken with lemon and bulgur recipe is not only a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring a healthy combination of protein and carbohydrates to your table. Plus, it is a simple recipe, perfect for a weekend dinner or a family meal. Let’s discover together how to achieve a perfect result!

Ingredients Needed

- 4-5 chicken thighs (preferably skinless, to reduce fat)
- 1 lemon (use an organic lemon or wash it well to remove wax)
- 1 cup of bulgur
- 4-5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of mint (fresh or dried)
- 150 ml of dry white wine
- 5-6 garlic cloves, halved
- A large bunch of fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by Step - Preparing the Recipe

1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by cleaning the chicken thighs, removing the skin (if you prefer a healthier dish) and cutting them in half. Rinse them well under cold water, then dry them with a paper towel. This step is essential for achieving an even browning in the oven.

2. Marinating the Chicken
In a large baking dish, add the chicken thighs. Cut the lemon into cubes and add them to the dish. Add the halved garlic, mint, olive oil, and white wine. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like, add paprika for a more intense flavor. Mix all the ingredients well so that the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic marinade.

3. Baking the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the dish in the oven and let the chicken bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the meat is beautifully browned and juicy. The flavors will combine wonderfully, and the smell will fill the entire house.

4. Preparing the Bulgur
While the chicken is baking, prepare the bulgur. Place it in a bowl and cover it with hot water, letting it soak for 30 minutes. Make sure that if the bulgur absorbs all the water, you add more hot water to achieve the perfect texture.

5. Finishing the Dish
Once the chicken is browned, remove the dish from the oven. Add the bulgur to the dish, gently mixing it to combine with the chicken juices and flavors. Turn off the oven and leave the dish inside for another 15-20 minutes, during which the bulgur will absorb the flavors and become fluffy.

6. Serving
When you are ready to serve, add plenty of freshly chopped parsley on top. This will bring a note of freshness and color to the dish. You can serve this oven-baked chicken with bulgur alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables to complete the meal.

Helpful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Choosing Ingredients: Use organic lemons if possible. Lemon zest adds extra flavor, and organic lemons do not contain wax.
- Bulgur: You can experiment with different types of bulgur, such as fine or coarse bulgur, depending on your preferences.
- Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use cilantro for a different flavor.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots or bell peppers, for a more varied dish. Additionally, you can replace chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy! Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and bulgur is rich in fiber, aiding in healthy digestion. Lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for a strong immune system. Olive oil, rich in healthy fats, contributes to cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute bulgur with something else?
Yes, you can use couscous, rice, or quinoa to vary the textures and flavors.

2. How can I check if the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the chicken breast should reach 75°C to be considered cooked.

3. Can this dish be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bulgur a day ahead and reheat them before serving.

4. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement the flavors of the dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to preheat the oven and get cooking! This oven-baked chicken with lemon and bulgur will surely bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!