Hello, friends! It’s Mateo here, and today I’m excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite comfort food dishes—Air Fryer Chicken Bulgur. Imagine a meal that’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, bringing smiles to the dinner table as the aroma wafts through your home. As a dad who loves cooking for my family, I find joy in creating meals that are not just nourishing but also bring everyone together. This dish is the perfect example of that, combining savory chicken with fluffy bulgur and vibrant veggies, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer significantly reduces cooking time while ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the bulgur is perfectly textured.
- Healthy Comfort Food: This dish is a nutritious twist on classic comfort food, using lean chicken and whole-grain bulgur to satisfy your cravings while keeping things healthy. Bulgur is high in fiber and low in calories, while chicken provides high-quality protein without excess fat.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce bulgur to your family if they haven’t tried it before. The dish is colorful and appealing, which can encourage picky eaters to give it a try.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily adjust the veggies or spices to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you want to add a bit of heat with chili flakes or swap in veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, the possibilities are endless.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in the air fryer reduces the number of dishes to wash, giving you more time to enjoy the meal with your loved ones. The air fryer basket is easy to clean and saves you from using multiple pots and pans.
The Recipe
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Temperature: 375°F | Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated. Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes, if you have time, can enhance the flavors even more, allowing the spices to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, which helps lock in the juices and creates a nice crust on the outside.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the bulgur, diced bell pepper, and onion. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This allows the bulgur to absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavorful.
- After the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, add it back to the bowl with the bulgur mixture and toss to combine. This step integrates the flavors and ensures that each bite is well-balanced.
- Return the bulgur and chicken mixture to the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F) and the bulgur is fluffy. This final cooking step melds the flavors together beautifully.
- Remove from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. The parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
Helpful Tip: For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking. This extra step is worth the time if you can spare it, as it intensifies the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this delicious Air Fryer Chicken Bulgur, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Air fryer: This is the star of the show, ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked and your bulgur is fluffy. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly.
- Medium bowl: For mixing the chicken with spices and olive oil. Using a medium bowl helps in evenly coating the chicken without creating a mess.
- Saucepan: To bring the chicken broth to a boil and cook the bulgur mixture. An essential tool for ensuring the bulgur absorbs all the flavors of the broth.
- Knife and cutting board: For dicing the chicken, bell pepper, and onion. A sharp knife makes the prep work smoother and more efficient.
- Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure you get the right balance of flavors. Accuracy in measuring ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of the dish.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding why each ingredient is included can help you appreciate the dish even more:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and high in protein, chicken breasts are a healthy choice that keeps you full and satisfied. They’re versatile and absorb flavors well, making them perfect for this dish.
- Bulgur Wheat: A whole grain rich in fiber, bulgur is a healthy carbohydrate that adds texture and nutty flavor. It’s quick-cooking and pairs well with a variety of flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor of the bulgur and keeps it moist. Using broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor to the grains.
- Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the spices adhere to the chicken, ensuring a flavorful bite. Olive oil is heart-healthy and enhances the dish’s overall taste.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices bring warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies. Paprika also adds a subtle smokiness that complements the dish.
- Bell Pepper & Onion: Provide vitamins, color, and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements. They also add a bit of crunch and freshness.
- Parsley: Optional but adds a fresh, herby finish that brightens the dish. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in presentation and taste.
What to Serve With This Dish
Air Fryer Chicken Bulgur is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, consider these pairing suggestions:
- Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty flavors. The crisp freshness of a salad provides a nice contrast to the warm, savory main dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted garlic broccoli or honey-glazed carrots for a delightful contrast. These sides add more vegetables to your meal and enhance its nutritional value.
- Yogurt Sauce: A dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and mint can add a refreshing tang. This sauce adds a creamy, cooling element that pairs perfectly with the robust flavors of the main dish.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensuring the container is airtight will help maintain the dish’s freshness.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quick warm-up. The air fryer will help retain the dish’s texture better than a microwave.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Freezing works well if you want to prepare meals in advance.
Incorporating these practical tips will ensure that your Air Fryer Chicken Bulgur stays delicious, whether it’s fresh from the air fryer or enjoyed as leftovers.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. It’s a reminder of how food can bring us together, creating moments of joy and connection around the dinner table. Remember, cooking is all about love and creativity, so don’t hesitate to make this dish your own. Happy cooking, my friends!
Air Fryer Chicken Bulgur
A delicious and healthy meal combining tender chicken and fluffy bulgur, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until chicken is well coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- While the chicken is cooking, rinse the bulgur wheat under cold water. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the bulgur, diced bell pepper, and onion. Stir, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- After the chicken has cooked for 10 minutes, add it back to the bowl with the bulgur mixture and toss to combine.
- Return the bulgur and chicken mixture to the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F) and the bulgur is fluffy.
- Remove from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.