Spicy Harissa Chicken and Bulgur Bowls with Creamy Lemon Sauce

These vibrant bowls are packed with layers of flavor and texture. Sweet and spicy harissa-roasted carrots, tender bulgur studded with dried apricots and perfectly seasoned chicken come together for a meal that feels special any night of the week.

Two sauces elevate the dish: a zesty chermoula made with cilantro and chili flakes and a creamy lemon sauce that cools the heat. Topped with crunchy pistachios, every bite is a delight.

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Ingredients

2 unit Veggie Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Chopped Chicken BreastView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce PistachiosView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 unit LemonView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Dried ApricotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.08 tablespoon Harissa PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

9 ounce CarrotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Bulgur WheatView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 tablespoon Tunisian Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 tablespoon (tbsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim, peel and cut carrots into sticks (like fries; about 3 inches long and ⅓ inch thick). Toss on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, ¼ tsp harissa powder (½ tsp for 4 servings), salt and pepper. For easy cleanup, line sheet with foil or parchment. Roast on top rack, tossing halfway, until browned and tender, 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine bulgur, stock concentrates, half the garlic powder, 1 cup water (2 cups for 4 servings), a big pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, until water is absorbed and bulgur is tender, 12-15 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
3. While bulgur cooks, finely chop cilantro. Zest and quarter lemon. Trim and quarter zucchini lengthwise; cut crosswise into ½-inch-thick pieces. Dice tomato. Roughly chop pistachios.
4. In a small bowl, combine cilantro, 1½ TBSP olive oil (3 TBSP for 4 servings), a squeeze of lemon juice, chili flakes to taste and as much remaining garlic powder as you like. Season with salt and pepper. In a separate small bowl, combine sour cream and a big pinch of lemon zest. Add water 1 tsp at a time until sauce reaches a drizzling consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini; cook, stirring, until lightly browned, 4-6 minutes (6-8 minutes for 4 servings). Add tomatoes, half the Tunisian Spice Blend (all for 4) and a pinch of salt; cook until tomatoes are slightly charred, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Turn off heat.
6. Drain any excess water from bulgur if necessary; fluff with a fork. Stir in apricots and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper. Divide bulgur between bowls and top with roasted carrots and veggies. Top with pistachios. Drizzle with chermoula and lemon sauce. Sprinkle with any remaining chili flakes to taste. Serve with any remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I substitute the bulgur with another grain?

Yes, you can use quinoa, couscous or farro. Adjust cooking time and liquid according to the grain’s package instructions.

What can I use instead of sour cream for the lemon sauce?

Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative work well as a substitute for sour cream.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like chickpeas or roasted sweet potatoes for protein.