Za’atar Chicken with Bulgur Pilaf

Lemon-garlic za’atar chicken is seared until juicy and served over a herby bulgur pilaf with toasted almonds and a crisp cucumber-tomato side.

45 min

4 servings

Za’atar chicken rests over herbed bulgur with toasted almonds and cucumber-tomato salad.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 medium lemons

3 garlic cloves, finely grated

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

2 tbsp za’atar seasoning, divided

1 1/4 tsp kosher salt, divided

1/3 cup sliced almonds

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1 medium cucumber, diced

2 medium tomatoes, diced

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

Large skillet · Small saucepan with lid · Instant-read thermometer · Fine grater · Mixing bowl

Keep the grain fluffy

Use the stock amount and timing for the selected grain, then fluff with a fork before folding in the herbs and almonds.

Serve vegetables fresh

Toss cucumber and tomatoes just before serving so their juices do not soften the bulgur pilaf.

Season and prepare

01. Whisk lemon zest and juice with garlic, oil, za’atar, salt, and pepper; coat chicken while preparing the grain.

02. Toast sliced almonds in a dry saucepan until golden and fragrant, then remove them from the hot pan.

Cook the grain

03. For the default bulgur, simmer 1 cup grain with 1 1/2 cups stock about 12 minutes. If substituting, use 1 cup rinsed quinoa with 2 cups stock and simmer about 15 minutes, or steep 1 cup couscous in 1 1/4 cups boiling stock off heat for 5 minutes.

Sear and rest

04. Sear chicken in hot oil 5–7 minutes per side, turning once and checking the thickest piece for 165 F.

05. Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing across the grain; return board juices over the meat.

Finish and serve

06. Fold parsley, scallions, toasted almonds, lemon, and za’atar through the chosen grain, whether bulgur or a selected substitute.

07. Toss cucumber and tomatoes lightly with lemon and salt just before serving to keep them crisp.

08. Plate the warm chosen grain with sliced chicken and serve the fresh cucumber-tomato side alongside.