June 28, 2026 · 10 min

Sumac Apricot Chicken with Lemon Bulgur and Roasted Vegetables

Dessert10 min830 cal / serving

Discover a new flavor obsession with this sweet and tangy chicken dish. Apricot jam and sumac create a sauce that’s simply irresistible, coating tender chicken cutlets. Served over lemony bulgur with roasted zucchini and chili-kissed onion, every bite is a delight.

This Mediterranean-inspired meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of textures-from the crunchy sliced almonds to the tender veggies-will have everyone asking for seconds.


Recipe details

Dessert10 min830 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories830 kcalProtein68 gFat43 gCarbs36.7 gSugar13.3 gFiber4.7 gSodium765 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Zucchini1 unit ZucchiniView ingredient guide
Yellow Onion1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guide
Garlic1 clove GarlicView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Chili Powder1 teaspoon Chili PowderView ingredient guide
Bulgur Wheat0.5 cup Bulgur WheatView ingredient guide
Chicken Cutlets10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guide
Apricot Jam1 unit Apricot JamView ingredient guide
Sumac1 teaspoon SumacView ingredient guide
Sliced Almonds0.5 ounce Sliced AlmondsView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil4 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Butter1 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guide
SaltSaltView ingredient guide
PepperPepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim and halve zucchini lengthwise; slice crosswise into ½-inch-thick half-moons. Halve, peel and cut onion into ½-inch-thick wedges. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Zest and quarter lemon.
  2. Toss zucchini and onion on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, chili powder, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack, tossing halfway through, until tender and browned, 14-16 minutes.
  3. While veggies roast, heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in bulgur, half the stock concentrates, 1 cup water (2 cups for 4 servings) and a big pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until water has absorbed and bulgur is tender, 12-15 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  4. Meanwhile, pat chicken dry with paper towels; season all over with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. (Lower heat if chicken begins to brown too quickly.) Turn off heat; transfer chicken to a plate to rest. Wipe out pan.
  5. Heat a drizzle of oil in same pan over medium heat. Add remaining garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in jam, remaining stock concentrate and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4 servings). Simmer until thickened, 2-3 minutes. (Use a whisk to break up any pieces of jam if necessary.) Reduce heat to low. Stir in sumac, 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4) and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Return chicken (and any resting juices) to pan with sauce; turn to coat. Transfer chicken to a cutting board; thinly slice crosswise. Drain any excess water from bulgur if necessary; fluff with a fork. Stir in lemon zest and a big squeeze of lemon juice; season with salt and pepper. Add half the veggies to pot with bulgur and stir to combine. Divide bulgur mixture between bowls; top with chicken and remaining veggies. Spoon any remaining sauce from pan over chicken. Garnish with almonds and serve.

Recipe Tips

For best results, pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen it. Toasting the almonds in a dry pan for a minute before garnishing adds extra crunch.

FAQ

Can I use a different grain instead of bulgur?

Yes, you can substitute bulgur with quinoa, couscous or rice. Adjust cooking time and liquid according to the grain’s package instructions.

What can I use instead of sumac?

Sumac has a unique tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of lemon zest and a pinch of paprika or a little extra lemon juice.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to the sauce if needed.

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